In a strategic move to combat alarmingly high levels of child stunting in western Uganda, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched the Egg Powder Initiative for Children (EPIC)—a groundbreaking nutrition program aimed at children aged 6 to 18 months.
The initiative was officially unveiled on Wednesday at Club Afreka in Kamwenge District, drawing participation from government officials, health professionals, and local leaders across the Tooro region.
EPIC seeks to reduce stunting rates by up to 47% through the daily inclusion of nutrient-rich egg powder in children’s diets.
Tooro currently faces a staggering child stunting rate of 40%, twice the national average of 20%.
The pilot phase of EPIC will benefit over 60,000 children in the five Tooro sub-region districts: Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Kabarole, Ntoroko, and Kyenjojo.
The long-term vision is to scale up the initiative to reach six million children across Uganda, with full implementation projected to cost over $13 million.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, speaking on behalf of the Director of Health Services (Public Health), called the program a “critical intervention” in addressing Uganda’s ongoing child malnutrition crisis.
He urged leaders at all levels to actively mobilize their communities and support awareness efforts.
As EPIC rolls out, officials hope it will serve as a national model, bringing Uganda closer to eradicating childhood stunting and securing a healthier future for its youngest citizens.
