For a child with a disability, every meal may be a struggle. When nutritious food is hard to find or afford, like in underserved parts of Zambia, a family’s challenges only grow. At CMMB, we believe all children deserve the nutrition and feeding support they need to thrive and make the journey to adulthood. Access to Health Zambia, a member of the CMMB Global Community, supports these families by providing assistance, like nutrition services, specialized therapies, and more. Our work in Zambia makes a difference for children like Miracle, a young boy who found his strength.

Children with Disabilities Are More Likely to Face Nutrition Challenges 

An estimated one out of every 10 children around the world lives with a disability. Stigma remains a persistent barrier for families raising children with disabilities, while access to education can be limited and specialized healthcare is often unavailable. Even eating can pose unique challenges for some children, who may need extra help to take in enough nutrients and calories to fuel their growing bodies.

Despite trying, many families never get the help their children need. Instead, they encounter health systems that lack the inclusive approach that a disability requires. At a time when a child’s body and brain are developing rapidly, the consequences can be lifelong—even life-ending. Children who live with disabilities are more likely to be underweight. They have a greater risk of illness, delayed development, reduced intellectual capacity, and death.  

Special Support for Families Impacted by Disability  

A specialist helps a mother feed her child during a count me in session for children with disabilities

Families of children with disabilities often feel isolated. Our support helps them feel less alone. Through our Kusamala project, we support home visits and play therapy that engage children at the right level. We also provide parents with training, so they learn how to feed their children safely and effectively. And through cooking demonstrations, we offer guidance on how to prepare foods that are nutritious, affordable, and accessible.

Our Kusamala project is made possible by the GHR Foundation and through collaboration with the local government and organizations. Together with Zambia’s Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Ministry of Health, and in partnership with Makululu Home-Based Care, we deliver disability and nutrition support to families in need across Lusaka, Kabwe, Kafue, and Mambwe districts.

We also work closely with the SPOON Foundation. We enroll families in SPOON’s digital tool, called Count Me In. This simple app tracks a child’s growth, hemoglobin levels, and feeding practices. Health workers and support staff follow the data closely so they can quickly identify worrisome patterns. When needed, they direct children to specific interventions and make referrals to specialized care.

The count me in app

The digital Count Me In application that helps monitor key health measures like height, weight, and more.

Personalized guidance delivered through the app offers advice on feeding techniques, responsive feeding, strategies to ensure an iron-rich diet, and other topics—knowledge that empowers families who want the best for their child. This inclusive care puts good health within reach for children like Miracle, a young boy who lives in Kabanana, Zambia.  

Miracle’s Story 

Gertrude and Miracle during a nutrition session for children with disabilities

Gertrude struggled to feed her son, Miracle, who was born with a disability. She could tell he was not growing as he should. Without help, she worried about what would happen to him. 

With determination, Gertrude found the support Miracle needed. In 2020, he joined the Kusamala project as an infant. Health workers taught Gertrude how to help Miracle get adequate nutrition during the critical early years of his life. They tracked his progress, taking measurements like mid-upper arm circumference to check for malnutrition. All his data was entered into the Count Me In app, giving his team the insights they needed to make adjustments to his care. 

Now, Gertrude beams with joy when she speaks about her son, a strong and healthy 5-year-old. His future today is more hopeful—and so is Gertrude’s. 

Creating a Strong Foundation for Healthier Lives  

Every child deserves access to nutrition and care. Their future depends on it. We are proud of the difference we make for Miracle and Gertrude, and many other families. The systems we create, in collaboration with local government and organizations, will improve the lives of families for years to come.

Still, there is more progress to be made. Earlier this summer, Access to Health Zambia and SPOON held a five-day training on strengthening inclusive nutrition and feeding services for children living with disabilities in Zambia.

We brought together healthcare workers, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and community practitioners from across Zambia to share best practices and education and advance the care families receive. Together with our local partners, we will continue working toward the same goal: to strengthen inclusive, equitable healthcare systems. Every child must have access to the nutrition and care they need to thrive.

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