Transforming Lives Through Nutrition: Rejoice's Journey

Rejoice, from Onicha LGA in Ebonyi State, arrived at the Onicha health facility severely malnourished: at 16 months she had a MUAC of just 11.2 cm, weighed 8.6 kg and measured 70 cm. Her mother was worried about feeding her, mainly because of money.

Through Life Helpers Initiative and the IHP nutrition project, her mother received personalised guidance on preparing "five-star meals" from affordable local foods: fortified pap, potato porridge, animal-source foods such as cooked eggs, fruits and vegetables. She was also introduced to home gardening for quicker access to vegetables.

Rejoice was referred to an IMAM centre for treatment and received Tom Brown and beans from the food bank. Her mother took an active part in food demonstration sessions.

By the third visit, her mother, the health workers and other caregivers could all see the change: Rejoice had moved from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) to moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), with a MUAC of 12.4 cm, weight of 8.8 kg and height of 76 cm at 17 months.

Her journey shows what education, compassion and dedicated follow-up can achieve when communities come together for their youngest members.

From the LHI Newsletter, September 2023, also featured in Helpers Digest, October 2023.