Lodwar

Child wasting is a form of malnutrition where a child becomes too thin, increasing the risk of illness or death. This condition requires medical consultation and treatment, including medicine and nutritional supplements until recovery. However, currently, only a small number of children with severe wasting receive appropriate care. In Kenya, there is an opportunity to improve this by using community health promoters (CHPs) to identify and support children with wasting. The study evaluates a community intervention called SWITCH in Turkana County. CHPs are equipped with smartphones and an app that guides them to visit households and take health-related actions. They distribute color-coded mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tapes to caregivers and train them on their use, send SMS reminders for regular measurements, and use scales to monitor child weight monthly. The intervention includes digital registration, biweekly messaging, community screening every two months, and real-time follow-up for children who miss appointments. Participants will be assessed through baseline and endline surveys over two years, measuring the proportion of severely wasted children receiving treatment. The study also examines how the intervention is adopted and implemented, challenges faced, community perceptions, and costs. Assessments include screening, program exposure, interviews, observations, and cost-effectiveness analyses, aiming to improve treatment coverage and outcomes for children with severe wasting.