Malnutrition in Uganda is a consequence of limited or inadequate preventive and/or corrective actions. Almost half of the population is food energy deficient (48%). While malnutrition is a leading contributor towards child morbidity and mortality, malnourished children living with HIV are five times more likely to die before their 2nd birthday compared to non- infected children. (UDHS 2011; WFP 2013).
Our response
Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods-RUTF (using groundnuts) act as a first line of treatment of severe acute malnutrition that can prevent death and quickly improve nutritional status. For those who are moderately malnourished Fortified Blended Foods-FBF (using maize and soybeans) are appropriate and can prevent patients from deteriorating into severe malnutrition while building up their overall strength. Ensuring availability of these supplements is therefore essential to improving nutritional status among the malnourished.
How we do it
The Production for Improved Nutrition project works to: increase production of therapeutic and supplementary foods; ensure adequate and timely supply of RUTF and FBFs to participating health facilities; mainstream the supply of RUTF and FBF into the Ministry of Health logistics system and increase demand for RUTF and FBF in Uganda and the East African region.
Supplementing community based treatment of malnutrition- The Supply Chain
Quality assurance
We are keen on quality assurance by ensuring farmers are providing the best quality ingredients which are then processed at the internationally certified RECO factory in Kasese district. Thereafter, through credible distribution networks the RUTFs are delivered to health centers, their staff trained to properly store, dispense and follow up with appropriate treatment regimens using RUTFs.
RECO Certifications
- ISO 9001-2008
- KOSHER
- UNBS (UGANDA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS) QUALITY MARK
- IMPLEMENTING ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) ACCREDITED TO ISO 14001
- ORGANIC CERTIFICATE ISSUED INSTITUTE FOR MARKETECOLOGY (IMO)
- CLEANER PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY UGANDA CLEANER PRODUCTION CENTER / UNIDO HALAL )