Kusamala Program
Using the hospital stay to strengthen caregiving for children admitted with severe acute malnutrition.
Why this research began
Recovery requires more than weight gain. Feeding, stimulation and household conditions affect longer-term growth and development.
What the study asks
Can a structured caregiver programme improve developmental and nutritional outcomes?
How the research works
Group sessions combining nutrition and feeding counselling, WASH education and psychosocial stimulation, with assessment at enrolment, discharge and six months.
Who contributes
Primary caregivers and children admitted with severe acute malnutrition.
Where it takes place
Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre.
Study objectives
Strengthen nutrition and feeding knowledge.
Support WASH practices and psychosocial stimulation.
Assess child nutritional and developmental outcomes.
Principal and contributing research team
Status and study timeline
- 01Programme development
- 02Caregiver sessions during admission
- 03Discharge assessment
- 04Six-month follow-up
Participating and collaborating institutions
Publications and findings
task_altKusamala demonstrated the feasibility of addressing caregiving, stimulation and household practices alongside nutritional treatment.
Pilot and feasibility research for a hospital-based caregiver intervention programme
Kusamala investigators — Peer-reviewed research output
Cluster-randomized controlled trial protocol for children with severe acute malnutrition
Kusamala investigators — Study protocol
Related news, documents and contact
Related updates
No related public updates have been published yet.
Study documents
Approved protocols, public summaries and shareable study materials are published through the research resources library.
Browse research resources arrow_forwardResearch contact
Contact MNRG for collaboration, study information or approved document requests.
Contact the research team arrow_forwardWhy it matters
The programme addresses caregiving practices and development alongside nutritional recovery.