In Diourbel, malnutrition remains a major public health problem. In 2024, more than 1,000 malnourished children were treated in the district, according to public health specialist and nutritionist Dr. Ibrahima Fall. Several factors, including beliefs about breastfeeding, poverty, and a lack of dietary diversity, fuel this scourge. He discusses the realities on the ground, the progress made in treatment, and the ongoing challenges.

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A public health specialist and nutritionist, Doctor Ibrahima Fall is the nutrition focal point for the Diourbel district.

He immediately stated: "In 2024, we had more than 1,000 children suffering from acute, severe, complicated, and uncomplicated malnutrition. They were all treated." In his view, this area is among the health districts where malnutrition constitutes a real public health problem.

"Indeed, a lot of effort is being made, particularly by the Ministry of Health and Social Action and its partners. Despite this, this scourge persists. There are also many strategies that have been refined over the course of this year and that have proven their relevance. We hope that, soon, this disease will be among those that are forgotten," he says.

Speaking about the factors that contribute to malnutrition, the specialist mentions breastfeeding. "There are beliefs that prevent exclusive breastfeeding from being respected," he insists.

Another factor, according to him, is linked to diet: "Regarding eating habits, it is sometimes difficult. The diet is not sufficiently diversified. The economic factor also plays a role, because this is a region marked by poverty. Some families do not have the means to ensure adequate nutrition for their children," laments the district's nutrition focal point.

Regarding the care of malnourished children, Dr. Fall stated that strategies have been developed during this year. According to him, malnutrition management is now carried out at the community level, particularly in health centers.

He explains: "Recently, around ten health centers in the district were actually trained and made operational in the management of acute, severe, and uncomplicated malnutrition. This helps relieve congestion at the treatment center and provides more accessible treatment for acute and severe malnutrition. However, there are still many challenges in terms of treatment, particularly early detection."

He added: "In any case, most mothers or caregivers do not come here as soon as the first symptoms appear. More often, they consult when complications arise, which increases the workload."

Dr. Ibrahima Fall advises those concerned to come to the health district early enough "so that we can screen and diagnose early enough and provide appropriate treatment as quickly as possible."