Nadia's Journey to Health from Malnutrition

By António Massipa – Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

Little Nadia, a bright-eyed toddler of just one year and eight months, from Zambezia province, in central Mozambique, was struggling with moderate acute malnutrition. But thanks to the dedication of local health committee, her life has been transformed.  This is the kind of change World Vision’s “Enough” campaign, launching soon in Mozambique to tackle child hunger and malnutrition, aims to bring to many more children.

Back in April 2024, Nadia weighed a worrying 6kg – far too little for a child her age. Her mother, understandably concerned about Nadia’s slow development, sought help and joined the local health committee’s sessions. These sessions provided practical demonstrations, teaching parents how to prepare enriched porridge and other nutritious foods to help their malnourished children recover.

“I’d noticed for a while that Nadia wasn’t growing properly,” Nadia’s mother says. “When I realised how serious it was, I was really worried. Joining the local health committee was the best thing I did. Their support and guidance made all the difference,” she adds.

With the committee’s care and guidance, Nadia’s health gradually improved. She recovered in the very workshops where her mother had learnt how to feed her properly. Now, Nadia weighs a healthy 10kg, well within the World Health Organisation’s recommended weight range.  Her recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of these community-led interventions.

The local health committee, established in 2023, is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of everyone in the community. From regular weigh-ins and measurements to demonstrations on preparing enriched porridge, the committee works tirelessly to promote good nutrition. They also conduct household surveys and health talks to ensure everyone has access to vital health information.

The committee's work has profoundly impacted individuals' lives while fostering a strong sense of community responsibility and empowerment. This highlights the crucial role of community-led actions in addressing health issues and creating lasting change. Nadia's success story exemplifies the remarkable achievements of local initiatives. 

This is precisely the impact that World Vision’s “Enough” campaign aims to build upon, striving for a future where every child in Mozambique has access to enough healthy food and nutrition. This is especially significant given the final report from the fourth Demographic and Health Survey 2022-2023, which indicates a national chronic malnutrition rate of 37 per cent in Mozambique and of 42.7 per cent in Zambezia.