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What is Acute Malnutrition?

DSC_0379Acute malnutrition is a devastating public health problem of epidemic proportions. Worldwide, some 55 million children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition and 19 million of these from the most serious type – severe acute malnutrition. Every year, 5 million children die of malnutrition.

 

The human body needs energy and nutrients to function. If food intake is inadequate, the body begins to break down body fat and muscle, the metabolism begins to slow down, thermal regulation is disrupted, the immune system is weakened and kidney function is impaired.

Decreased food consumption, increased energy expenditure and illness result in a poor nutritional state known as malnutrition (or undernutrition). Malnutrition is associated with increased illness and death, reduced educational achievements, productivity and economic capacity, and is one of the principle mechanisms behind the transmission of poverty and inequality from one generation to the next.  Malnutrition manifests itself in the form of micronutrient deficiencies, stunting (also known as chronic malnutrition), and/or acute malnutrition. Acute malnutrition is caused by a decrease in food consumption and/or illness resulting in sudden weight loss or oedema.


Learn more about the types of acute malnutrition
 
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Jobs Against Hunger

Human resources

Develops and applies the mission’s human resources policy and is responsible for all local staff management matters such as salary policies, recruitment and evaluations etc..

Current openings

Head of mission

Positions the missions overall strategy, coordinates programme implementation, ensures continuity of finance, organizes allocation of available resources and supervises the missions staff.

Current openings

Nutrition & Health

Runs supplementary feeding centers and implementing nutrition surveys, designing nutrition programmes for supplementary or therapeutic feeding centers, managing and training national staff, collecting information on malnutrition and food security.

Current openings

Food Security

Distributes food supplies and equipment to populations in need and provides them with the resources they require to produce their own food. Provides training in modern agricultural techniques in order to boost the capacities of the populations concerned.

Current openings

Logistics

Plans, oversees and handles procurement, purchasing and supply of stock for the missions and for its own operations.. Handles the maintenance of office and transport equipment. Analyzes and monitors the security situation and security procedures. Heads of Base have the added responsibility of managing the base staff including all HR related issues.

Current openings

Finance administration

Oversees the mission’s accounts, takes care of budget administration matters, cash management and draws attention to any eventual financial risks that might materialize.

Current openings

Water & Sanitation

Ensures emergency access to safe drinking water and overall sanitation. Finds and taps underground and ground level water sources (boreholes and wells, water distribution networks).

Current openings

Coordination

Participates in drawing up the missions’ strategy, makes sure that all programmes implemented respect ACFs codes and standards and ensures the safety and security of all staff and missions assets.

Current openings

Première moisson

ACF is proud to be associated with the Galette du Monde, a product from Première Moisson, developed in collaboration with the nutrition department of the Université de Montreal. It consists of a delicious and nutritious cookie, which supports the fight against hunger while promoting good health. For each galette sold, Première Moisson will donate $0,25 to our organization.  Come to Première Moisson and savour this tasty treat, high in humanitarian content!

New Roots Herbal

Support Action Against Hunger by purchasing New Roots Herbal products featured in the Choose to Care initiative.  New Roots Herbal is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality natural health products. The Choose to Care initiative donates a percentage of sales to various charities, through a removable tag attached to select New Roots Herbal products.  To support us, simply purchase one of the participating products from your local health food store, remove the donation tag and select ACF as the recipient charity for your donation.  With New Roots Herbal, choosing to help has never been so easy!

Nourish tea

nousih-tea

 

 

 

 

Drink tea - fight Hunger!

Action Against Hunger is a proud partner of Nourishtea, a premium loose tea company dedicated to bringing the finest loose tea leaves from around the world to your cup. Nourishtea supports estates that are sustainable, ethical and abide by fair labour practices.   To further their commitment to sustainability, the company also donates 5% of its proceeds to programs providing nutrition and hydration to those in need, with an emphasis on the young – wherever they may be.

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