The Urban Infant Foodscape project focused on investigating foodborne diseases (FBD) among young children aged 6-24 months residing in low-income peri-urban areas. Conducted concurrently in Nairobi (Kenya) and Maputo (Mozambique), UIF aimed to assess the types of FBD in young children, identify the primary food sources responsible for these illnesses, and analyse the practices that contribute to the risk of FBD. By obtaining these insights, the study aimed to develop tailored local interventions targeted at reducing FBD in children.
FBD arises from the consumption of foods contaminated with microorganisms or chemicals, which can occur at any stage from food production to consumption. This contamination may stem from environmental pollution, including water, soil, or air pollution. Bacterial contaminants such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, E.coli, Shigella, and parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, among others, contribute to FBD. Additionally, viruses such as Rotavirus and Norovirus, as well as toxins like aflatoxins and cassava cyanide, can also lead to FBD.
The objectives of the UIF project included estimating the burden of FBD among young children in low-income, high-density urban environments, measuring microbial contamination in the food consumed by these children, and understanding the risk factors for FBD within households, local markets, and the food supply chain. Additionally, epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance associated with bacterial contaminants was investigated. In the second phase of the project, a locally appropriate intervention was designed, implemented, and evaluated to address early childhood exposure to microbially contaminated foods. Through these efforts, UIF sought to contribute to the improvement of child health and well-being in urban settings by mitigating the prevalence of FBD