When children suffering from severe malnutrition enter our therapeutic feeding centres, the first step is to conduct a thorough measurement of their weight and height.

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The first step of treatment involves feeding the patients 8 to 12 meals of a specialised therapeutic milk known as

F-75. This formula was developed for patients who are so weak that they can no longer eat solid food.

During Phase II, which aims at increasing the patient's weight, an enriched porridge meal is introduced for patients over 1 years of age. Throughout this phase, the medical team monitors its patients.

Young children are accompanied by their mothers, who receive essential advice about feeding their children (how to prepare food, create balanced meals, etc), and about maintaining good hygiene and health practices (storing foods safely and using clean water). Educational drawings that evoke familiar situations are used to help the parents absorb the fundamental principles to improve the way they feed their families and prevent infection and malnutrition.

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Sometimes it is grandmothers and grandfathers accompanying the children.

A Therapeutic Feeding Centre (TFC) also provides recreational facilities.

Once the children (and adults) are ready to leave the TFC, they are provided with a supply of Plumpy'Nut, a high-protein and high-energy peanut-based paste that can be eaten without any preparation.

Our treatment focuses on not only the physical ailments of severe malnutrition, but also the emotional. Our nurses and nutritionists provide a caring atmosphere for young children.

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