Haven for Humanity-Uganda launches campaign against rising malnutrition in Zombo

Haven for Humanity-Uganda launches campaign against rising malnutrition in Zombo 

By Mike Rwothomio

ZOMBO, UGANDA – Haven for Humanity-Uganda, a community-based organization, has launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign in Zombo District to address the escalating crisis of malnutrition among children.

 Serving a population of over 300,000, the district faces a critical public health challenge, with 35% of children aged 0-5 affected by malnutrition, according to organizational data.

This effort aligns with Uganda’s 2025 Global Hunger Index score of 20.2, indicating a severe hunger crisis, and a 21% prevalence of child stunting.

 Since its establishment in 2021, Haven for Humanity-Uganda has called for collaborative action to combat malnutrition, which impacts young children disproportionately. 

The organization has supported 721 malnourished children and engaged over 7,000 community members through integrated social services, including health and nutrition programs, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support.

Speaking at a press conference on October 12, 2025, at Daudi Courts in Paidha Town Council, Executive Director Gladies Orombi emphasized the urgent need for community mobilization due to a funding shortfall after donors withdrew support. 

“We’re facing a financial gap and cannot sustain our programs without immediate assistance,” Orombi stated. 

She announced a local fundraising event in Paidha Town Council, to be attended by Alur King, His Majesty Ubimu Philliph Rauni Ularker III, with the date to be confirmed.

Despite Zombo’s abundance of nutrient-rich crops like matooke, avocados, cassava, maize, beans, and groundnuts, malnutrition persists. 

Nutritionist and public health student Fancy Auma highlighted the risks, noting, “Malnutrition causes stunted growth and perpetuates poverty, with both immediate and long-term consequences.”

 Daisy Kajik, a program staff member, urged communities to prioritize balanced diets and seek medical care rather than attributing malnutrition to non-medical causes like witchcraft.

Haven for Humanity-Uganda employs a holistic, participatory approach, leveraging Village Health Teams (VHTs) to conduct outreach in areas such as Abanga, Athuma, Paidha Town Council, and Paidha Sub-County. 

Services include case identification, medical treatment, nutritional supplementation, home-based care, and education on hygiene and sustainable meal preparation

The organization also promotes household empowerment through kitchen gardens, income-generation training, and microfinance initiatives.

Dr. Innocent Warom, Medical Director of Holy Family Hospital Nyapea, commended Haven for Humanity-Uganda for enhancing community engagement and awareness.

 “Their work has shifted our approach from reactive to proactive, enabling us to educate communities on malnutrition prevention,” he said.

Orombi identified contributing factors such as high teenage pregnancy rates, limited partner involvement in households, and economic pressures.

 The organization’s long-term strategies focus on socioeconomic empowerment and household food security through initiatives like seedling distribution for kitchen gardens.

Sam Kumakech, Alur Kingdom’s Director for Sports, Youth, and Information, praised the organization’s efforts and called for partnerships with other groups to address malnutrition in the area.

 UNICEF reports that 2.4 million Ugandan children are stunted, with irreversible consequences, and half of children under five, alongside one-quarter of women of childbearing age, suffer from anemia.

Haven for Humanity-Uganda is appealing for community and stakeholder support to bridge the funding gap and continue delivering critical social services.

 For contributions or inquiries, contact:

 Gladies Orombi at 0772633050 or havenuganda21@gmail.com.