Learn How Health Committee Support Mothers Rebuild Their Children From Malnutrition

By Denise Fazenda, Communication and Advocacy Officer 

Zacarias is just two years old and lives in the district of Angónia in Tete province. To many, he would just be a curious and lively child, but in reality, he faces one of the biggest dilemmas a child can face: malnutrition. Unlike many children, his age, Zacarias doesn't have access to the nutrients essential for his development. 

His mother, Ernata, sadly shares: "I feed him cake, pasta, and crisps only twice daily."

 Although Zacarias' parents own a farm, which could be a source of fresh, healthy food, their lack of knowledge and resources prevents them from offering their children a balanced diet. Fruit and vegetables are rarely part of his diet, and Zacarias' tiny body is forced to live on what is available.

Zacarias's mother, still doesn't realise how much nutrition impacts her son's development: "I haven't given my son enriched porridge yet; I've never learnt how to prepare it," she says with a worried look on her face. 

But like many other mothers, it's not her fault that she doesn't know what she hasn't been taught. The cycle of malnutrition is often a reflection of a lack of information.

Zacarias' situation did not go unnoticed members of the local Health Committee began to realise that he wasn't developing like other children at his age. He could barely stand, had difficulty playing, and, worst of all, fell ill frequently. Concerned, the committee members decided to investigate what was going on.

When they discovered that Zacarias had never had any prenatal care and had not received any vaccinations since birth, the situation became even more alarming. In addition to malnutrition, the boy was vulnerable to serious illness due to a lack of immunological protection. Action was urgently needed. The committee met and decided to sensitise the family about the importance of seeking medical help and abandoning the practices that were harming Zacarias. They carefully persuaded Ernata to take her son to the hospital. The committee helped Zacarias receive the necessary medical attention and set out to teach the mother how to prepare enriched porridge, a fundamental step in assisting Zacarias to recover and develop properly.

Presently, two months after the intervention, Zacarias is timidly recovering. Although still slowly, he is already showing signs of improvement, thanks to continued medical care and the support of the committee. He has regained energy, and his mother, now better informed, is learning to ensure that Zacarias gets the nutrition he needs to grow up strong and healthy.

ENOUGH! Zechariah's example is not isolated. Many children in our communities suffer from malnutrition, which compromises their full development. Together, we can change this reality. Let's ensure that our children have access to adequate food, medical care, and a healthier future!