Comprehensive Nutritional Support for Children in Zambia (ZamCNC) - A Pilot Investigation

In a recently completed intervention study, more than 50% of children in Lusaka were found to be stunted by age two, even when nutritional supplements were provided. It seems likely that these high rates of stunting are primarily due to inadequate basic nutritional intake. The main goal of this project is investigate this conjecture through a small pilot study that will be conducted in the urban area of Lusaka.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Malnourished Children Growth Disorders Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Stunting of Growth

Age range

6 month–12 month

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Innovations for Poverty Action Zambia

Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

About this study

This is very small cluster-randomized trial, with 64 families recruited from 4 selected neighbourhoods. 2 of these neighbourhoods will be selected for nutritional counselling and food support.

Children ages 6-12 months old and their caregivers will be included. Exclusion criteria: low birth weight; planning to move; twins.

All families will complete a baseline and endline assessment - each lasting approximately 30-45 minutes.

Children in the two intervention clusters will receive a visit every two weeks to discuss child nutrition, and to monitor height and weight gains. We will also provide additional food/groceries to mothers in the treatment group, i.e. to the 32 families in the two neighborhoods selected for treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Only children who are 6-12 months old at the time of recruitment and their caregivers in selected areas will be eligible for the study.

Exclusion criteria

expected to move
no child health card
participating in cash transfer programs

Treatment and study plan

Intensive growth support

Other

For women in the intervention group, we will develop a nutritional plan for the child in collaboration with the mother. Mothers will then receive a visit every other week - during this visit, children's health and nutrition will be discussed, and height and weight will be measured by field officers. Detailed food recommendations will be made based on national and international infant and young child feeding guidelines. To ensure appropriate foods are available, field workers will drop off local foods on a weekly basis.

Primary outcomes

Height-for-age z-score

Time frame: measured approximately 6 months after initiation of intervention

Children's height for age z-score after six months of interventions

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Günther Fink

Other

Registry information

Acronym: ZamCnC

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Sep 4, 2025
Registry last updated: Jan 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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