Introduction
In regions severely affected by malnutrition, access to proper healthcare and nutrition is vital for the survival and development of children. This case study highlights the journey of a mother and her malnourished child who received life-saving care from the ADADA Maternal and Child Health (MCH) team in Baidoa, Somalia, operated by ERDO.
Background
Malnutrition is a critical issue in Somalia, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, displacement, and limited access to healthcare services. In this case, a mother from Deynunay, a village located 25 km east of Baidoa, shares her harrowing experience and the eventual recovery of her child through the intervention of ADADA MCH.
The Mother’s Narrative
The mother’s ordeal began when her child fell severely ill. For two months, she struggled to find effective treatment, even selling one of her goats to pay for medical care. Despite her efforts, her child’s condition worsened, and she sought help from a traditional healer, resulting in further harm without any improvement.
Desperate and restless, she was advised by a kind stranger to take her child to Baidoa. On a Monday morning, she arrived at Sakami camp in Baidoa, where she encountered ERDO health workers. They directed her to ADADA MCH for further consultation and care.
Intervention by ADADA MCH
At ADADA MCH, the mother witnessed a supportive environment where health education on sanitation was provided. Her child was quickly attended to by the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) team. The child’s initial measurements revealed severe malnutrition:
- Weight: 4.6 kg
- Length: 65.5 cm
- MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference): 10.3 cm
The child was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition and immediately received treatment, including vaccination and nutritional support with Plumpy’Nut, a therapeutic food.
Treatment and Recovery
Initially, the child refused to eat the Plumpy’Nut, but with the guidance of the OTP supervisor, who provided warm sugared water to stimulate the child’s appetite, the child eventually began to consume the therapeutic food. Over the following weeks, the child’s health showed significant improvement:
- Two Weeks Later: The child started playing and eating other foods.
- After First Round of Treatment (36 pieces of Plumpy’Nut): The child’s weight increased to 7.3 kg.
- Following Further Care: The child’s weight reached 8.1 kg.
The mother’s relief and happiness were evident as her child’s health drastically improved, thanks to the timely intervention and continuous support from the ADADA MCH team.
Conclusion
This case study underscores the critical role of structured nutritional and healthcare programs in saving lives and restoring health in severely malnourished children. ERDO’s ADADA MCH in Baidoa exemplifies how dedicated healthcare services, proper nutrition, and community education can make a profound difference in addressing malnutrition and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in Somalia.
