Protein Energy Management in Mexico - Essay Example

Children with other illnesses are vulnerable to PEM which makes them incapable to take in fundamental nutrients. It can also affect nutrient conversion to the energy vital for healthy organ function and tissue development. This paper seeks to discuss PEM in Nigeria and how this country manages it.

How is your country of interest working to mitigate the effects of PEM?

In Nigeria, there is still a high burden of protein-energy management. The severe characteristics of the illness are typically related to high mortality rates even in health facilities. Several strategies have been set up to aid in reducing the severity and incidence of PEM. The government initiates a randomized distribution of zinc supplements to the prevalent areas (Garman & Royer, 2011). The locals have realized local products like honey help in reducing the severity of PEM. The Nigerian government has set up strategies to ensure sufficient food security in places prone to the disease.

Are their efforts meeting with success?

These programs are proving to be successful where the randomized distribution helps the vulnerable communities in Nigeria. Non-governmental organizations are also taking a huge part in countering the disease in Nigeria. They distribute high-energy packaged foods like F100 and F75 (Johnston & Stoskopof, 2010). UNICEF has played a major role in the distribution of children admitted for severe PEM. Similar arrangements are developed at several hospital surroundings in Nigeria named a high-energy mixture (HERMIX), and Kwash pap in Nigeria.

What recommendations would you make for continued improvement?

For improvement, storage and preservation of high-energy food is an important step by both the government and locals. The government should find out different other ways to ensure food security all year round. Presently, vitamin A is augmented through repetitive vaccination and National Immunization Days (NID). The government can mandate companies manufacturing countless domestic food items such as vegetable oils, sugar, and salt to strengthen them with these vitamins and trace elements. Families with low socioeconomic status are the most vulnerable to PEM. The government must find ways to improve the community's socioeconomic status in PEM-prone areas. The safety nets can be in terms of food-free food rations and free essentials for the affected families. The community-based establishments play a major role in contributing to domestic food security. They can initiate communal agriculture and help put up “Food Banks” where decent-spirited people in the communities can contribute foodstuffs to sustain the less fortunate.