Improving the Early Identification and Intervention of Disability-Related Feeding Difficulties amongst Young Children in Uganda (360G-Wellcome-345503_Z_26_Z)

**Research Goal:** To develop and evaluate a contextually relevant Integrated Clinical Care Pathway (ICCP) for early identification and intervention of disability-related feeding difficulties amongst young children (<3 years) with developmental disabilities in Uganda. **Background:** Feeding difficulties affect up to 80% of children with developmental disabilities, contributing significantly to malnutrition and poor health outcomes, yet remain under-addressed in low-resource settings. Despite disproportionately affecting children in LMICs, there is limited guidance on identification and management approaches within healthcare systems. **Methods:** This PhD research employs a participatory approach guided by implementation science frameworks. The research will be conducted across two government health centres and one specialist rehabilitation facility in western Uganda, enabling assessment across different healthcare contexts. **Objectives:** (1) Conduct a scoping review of existing evidence on identification and intervention approaches; (2) Examine facilitators and barriers to accessing high-quality nutritional care through cross-sectional and qualitative assessment; (3) Co-design an ICCP through structured stakeholder workshops; and (4) Evaluate the ICCP's feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact when implemented in government healthcare facilities. This research addresses critical evidence gaps whilst developing a model for disability-inclusive healthcare that could be adapted across sub-Saharan Africa, ultimately improving nutritional outcomes for a frequently overlooked vulnerable population.