Despite significant efforts to address food security problems, food and nutrition security remains a fundamental challenge for the welfare and economic growth of Uganda with almost half of all Ugandans is food energy deficient.
The research carried out in more than 30 districts of the country by RECO, a nutrition food manufacturing company in collaboration with USAID reveals that children malnutrition in the country is high standing at 33% with malnourished children living with HIV being 5 times more likely to dies before their 2nd birthday compared to non-infected children.
While presenting the finding, the chief of parties at RECO industries Brian Rwabogo says, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, children and those living with chronic illness especially HIV/AIDS, TB also suffer the most due to malnutrition.
With these alarming findings, USAID through its programme dubbed Uganda production for improved nutrition is aiming at producing and providing therapeutic and supplementary foods to treat malnutrition among children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as people living with HIV/AIDS to reduce the malnutrition burden in the country.