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Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Professor Philip John Kanu, Milton Margai Technical University, Sierra Leone
- Second opponent: Senior Lecturer Freda Intiful, University of Ghana,
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor Ingvil Krarup Sørbye, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor Kåre Olav Stensløkken, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Professor Mark Manary, Washington University, St. Louis
Summary
This thesis examines the effects of integrated nutritional and anti-infective strategies aimed at addressing maternal and child undernutrition in the resource-constrained, malaria-endemic West-African nation Sierra Leone, a low-income country. The thesis is built on randomized controlled trials across 43 health clinics, evaluating the efficacy of fortified Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) combined with anti-infective interventions. Findings demonstrate significant improvements in maternal weight gain, better neonatal health outcomes, and increased child survival rates.
The research also identified younger adolescent mothers as a group with specific needs that may benefit from targeted interventions. The research also supported the use of Mid Upper Arm Circumference as a practical method for identifying infants at risk of low birth weight and neonatal mortality.
This thesis discusses the need for sustainable, long-term strategies to address undernutrition in high-risk environments. The acceptance of enriched RUSF suggests it may be a feasible intervention for tackling undernutrition. These findings offer information relevant to future policies and programs targeting malnutrition and health outcomes for mothers and children in vulnerable populations.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.