A Mother's Journey of Transformation Through Nutrition

Health and Nutrition

Meet Hawa, an incredibly resilient and determined mother from Mukudhere Village, nestled 20 km away from Bal’ad district in the Hirshabelle State of Somalia. This is a story of hope, a story of transformation, and the beacon of change radiates from CISP’s Nutrition Project at Shibis Health Centre in Mogadishu, funded by UNICEF.

Hawa, a divorced mother of six, faced a daunting challenge in providing adequate nutrition for her eighteen-month-old daughter, Salma. Salma's weight, a mere 4.5 KG, and height at 68 CM painted a stark picture of malnutrition, with a Z-Score of less than -3SD and a Mid- Upper Arm Circumference of 8.5cm. Diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, Salma was admitted to the OTP program at Shibis Health Center, where a lifeline emerged for both mother and child.

Upon admission, Salma received a systematic treatment plan that included deworming, and Vitamin A supplementation – a testament to the holistic care provided by CISP's nutrition program. The once dire situation took a positive turn, offering a glimmer of hope in the lives of Hawa and Salma.

Hawa, always aware of the importance of nutrition, struggled against limited resources, lack of awareness, and the unavailability of affordable, diverse food options. Salma's health deteriorated, leaving Hawa feeling helpless until she seized the opportunity to seek assistance. In September 2023, their journey towards change began at Shibis Centre, where Salma started the ready-to-use therapeutic food-RUFT.

As time unfolded, Hawa witnessed a miraculous transformation in Salma's health. The little one's energy levels surged, and her weight steadily increased, filling their home with the melody of Salma's joyful laughter – a poignant testament to her improved well-being.

"As a mother, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the nutrition program on my child's health and development. This will be my 5th visit to the centre," said Hawa, her eyes reflecting the gratitude that words alone cannot convey.
"Thanks to CISP’s nutrition program, my child is thriving, and I couldn't be happier as a mother. The nutrition program gave me the knowledge to nourish my daughter and set her up for a lifetime of good health," noted Hawa, her voice echoing the resilience and empowerment she gained.

Salma’s story stands as a beacon of transformative impact, a narrative of triumph over adversity through the access to nutritious food. The Lifesaving Nutrition Program, a collaborative effort with the government, local authorities, and communities, aims to improve and reduce malnutrition by providing essential nutrition services. In Hawa and Salma's journey, we find not just a story of overcoming challenges but one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of compassion.

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