OVC 6 months-5 years old

Good nutrition is a critical factor in reducing infant mortality and builds a strong foundation for a child’s health, growth and development. Over more than a decade, Caris has been systematically assessing the nutritional status of OVC from 6 months to 5 years of age, using a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement. Screenings are carried out in the community by Caris CHWs. Children with moderate malnutrition are provided with a course of Ready-To- Use-Therapeutic-Food (RUTF) and are monitored closely in the community until they reach an adequate weight and MUAC.

Severe-Acute Malnourished children are first referred to the nearest malnutrition unit if available. If the options are limited, the caregivers are given the option to bring their child to the Caris ITU based in Port au Prince. There, they are enrolled into the Caris Nutrition Program and provided with a care plan to help them attain MUAC measurements in the ‘normal’ range. During a child’s admission, caregivers attend sessions pertaining to health, and nutrition for example, how to have a balanced diet with limited means. All caregivers are enrolled into our HES program once discharged.

Since May 2025, Caris screened over 2,600 OVC and enrolled nearly 1,000 children into the Nutrition program.

Nutrition Clubs

The Caris nutrition clubs aim to develop healthy eating habits that enable children under five years of age to achieve good physical, mental, and cognitive development. The clubs meet every two weeks during the distribution of Readyto- Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), bringing together parents and caregivers of malnourished children enrolled in the program. Neighbors are also sensitized on the importance of balanced nutrition and encouraged to join the clubs to strengthen community participation and support. Each nutrition club runs for six months, covering approximately three months while children receive RUTF and an additional three months after completion of treatment, to promote sustained healthy eating practices and continued nutritional well-being.

ITU

The Caris Intensive Care Unit (ITU) in Port-au-Prince, is operated by intensive care nurses and a pediatrician specifically allocated to the unit. It provides specialized inpatient care for children with severe acute malnutrition with associated medical complications who require a longer hospital stay to recuperate. The unit admits children up to 17 years of age, ensuring that those requiring intensive medical and nutritional support can receive appropriate treatment in a dedicated setting. Caris staff provide constant care and monitoring, with a focus on stabilizing children, managing complications, and supporting their recovery before discharge and follow-up in the community.