Early Intervention and Community Care Are Key To Ending Malnutrition

By António Massipa, Communication and Advocacy Coordinator

At 18 months old, Delcio weighed just 5.5 kg. His frail body could no longer hide the clear signs of severe malnutrition. The illness began to show at the end of 2023 when he contracted malaria. After diagnosis and treatment at the local hospital, a natural recovery was expected. However, Delcio's weight continued to drop.

"They treated the malaria, but he didn't improve. We returned to the hospital, and they said it was still the aftereffects, that it would pass," recalls his mother.

As days went by, the boy grew weaker. But it was the attention of a community volunteer – who happen to be their neighbour – that changed the course of the story. Noticing how often mother and son visited the hospital, the volunteer advised the lady to seek a detailed evaluation from the health committee supported by World Vision.

It was at the committee that the true severity of Delcio's condition was understood, later confirmed at the hospital as acute malnutrition. Recognizing his urgent need, his mother joined nutrition rehabilitation and education sessions for underweight and moderately wasted children, learning practical techniques using local foods which she immediately applied at home.

"I joined the sessions because I wanted to save my son. At first, I didn't know what to do, but there I learned to cook differently, to take better care of him," she says.

The impact was remarkable. Gradually, Delcio began to gain weight. His energy and sparkle returned. Today, at 36 months, he weighs just over 15 kg – a figure that represents not only physical growth but also a victory against malnutrition.

"I am happy because I didn't expect him to be like this today. Seeing my son play, eat well, and grow healthy fills me with gratitude," says the mother.

Delcio is living proof that community care and World Vision's support can transform lives. His journey teaches us that information, knowledge, support, and solidarity are powerful weapons against child malnutrition. In 2024, the impact of these actions in Memba was significant: more than 2,000 children aged 6 to 59 months were monitored, and around 800 malnourished children were rehabilitated. These numbers highlight the urgency of early interventions and the crucial role of the community in ensuring no child is left behind.