When Children's Nutrition Program began its work in Leogane, Haiti in 1998 the acute malnutrition rate was 24%. By 2011, that number dropped to less than 3%. Even though I'm only in week one of my year long internship with CNP, I'm already so proud of the great work they've done, are doing, and will continue to do. And I'm excited because this is such a wonderful opportunity for me. In just a few days, I've learned A LOT about the issues Haiti faces in regards to nutrition and how to work within the communities to make a difference and literally save the lives of thousands of children. As I've said before, nutrition and safe water are not fields in which I have loads of experience but they are in the forefront of everyone's mind whether you are living as a local or working as a foreigner in a developing country.

There are many statistics available telling a sad story about Haiti... for children under 5 years old half are malnourished, 18% are moderately or severely underweight, 25% of infants have a low birthweight, and so on. Nutrition often takes a back seat to other programs such as those combating AIDS, malaria, TB and so on. It's also difficult to make strides in any country where there is limited local government involvement and resources. But I'm encouraged to see so many Haitians here who believe in the work of CNP... from the staff to the volunteers and from the community leaders to the families.

This week I'm spending my mornings with the Supplemental Food and Outpatient Therapeutic Programs. Children in the community are regularly monitored through this program. They each have a file to keep track of their weight, height, health issues, etc. The Supplemental Food Program (PNS) treats moderate acute malnutrition  and come for an appointment with our CNP staff about every two weeks. They receive a nutritional supplement called Plumpy Nut or Plumpy'Sup in addition to the balanced meals we encourage the families to provide daily. The Outpatient Therapeutic Program (PTA) is for children who are too ill to be rehabilitated through the Supplemental Food Program. Again, they may be given the nutritional supplements, or if they have further complications they may be immediately referred to a stabilization center. Currently the closest one is 40 minutes from Leogane. I'm enjoying getting to know our staff and volunteers and trying to learn as much as I can about CNP's nutrition programs. There is a set protocol to be followed as for what children can be admitted into the programs, when they meet criteria to be discharged, etc. I'm hoping to absorb all of this information as quickly as possible so I can serve most effectively in my role as a CNP intern. I love getting to see all of these precious children, but it is also heartbreaking to realize what they are up against, starting in this harsh world with so many disadvantages already. But these mothers and obviously the CNP staff seem determined to change their fate. I'm confident that these programs can continue to make a lasting impact on these families and raise up a generation of healthy children who can be leaders in their communities.

Here are some photos from my morning with PNS and PTA.