Zeinab's Journey: Overcoming Malnutrition Through Candlelight Support
Zeinab's Journey: Overcoming Malnutrition Through Candlelight Support
Introduction As highlighted in the Humanitarian Action for Children 2024 – Somalia and Somaliland report, the nutritional status of 1.5 million children under the age of 5 continues to be a cause for concern, with acute wasting anticipated to persist until July 2024. The French Embassy, in collaboration with Acted, provided support for one-year project named "Nourishing Communities: Restoring Resilience Through Enhanced Food and Nutrition Security for Vulnerable Rural and Displaced Crisis-Affected Communities in Somaliland." This project was designed to tackle critical issues such as nutrition and health among others. It is being executed by Acted, Candlelight, and BVO across eighteen locations (comprising nine IDP sites and nine villages) within the Burao, Aynabo, and Lasanood districts As part of this initiative, Candlelight implemented the Nutrition and Health component to combat malnutrition among vulnerable populations. This involved screening and treating Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children under 5 years of age, as well as Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW). Zeinab’s Success Story Zeinab Abdi Yusuf, a 33-year-old women from Qoyta village, supports her family of seven through their small shop, despite the challenges of inflation. When her youngest daughter fell ill with malnutrition, financial constraints prevented Zeinab from seeking help. ” This is my youngest daughter, Asia Mohamed. She had been feeling unwell for a while, but due to financial constraints, I was unable to take her to a clinic ". Zeinab said. Fortunately, the Candlelight organization launched a nutrition and health mobile team program in Qoyta, offering essential nutrition education and screenings. Zeinab’s daughter was among those screened, and the team identified her malnutrition. Subsequently, the Candlelight mobile team initiated treatment for Asia, providing her with nutritional medical drugs and supplements including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) for Severe Acute Malnutrition management. "Previously, my daughter was unable to sit, and her physical condition was quite concerning. However, there has been a remarkable transformation. She can now sit, her overall physical condition has improved significantly, and she recently completed her follow-up appointments, thanks to Candlelight agency." Zeinab described Zeinab’s daughter made a full recovery within two months, and her condition has significantly improved. Zeinab's story is a testament to the transformative impact of knowledge and community support in overcoming adversity.