Jamica's health improves through WOVEN Project

Rebecca and Castro had always been a committed couple. They live in Mamaguta, a remote village on the last Siwai District coastline in South Bougainville. Despite the challenges of living in such a remote location, they were determined to make a good life for themselves and their children.

When they joined the World Vision Papua New Guinea Woven Project programs funded by the New Zealand Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in 2022, they saw the opportunity to improve their lives even further.

The couple were actively involved in the programs, eagerly learning new techniques and knowledge in Livelihood, Nutrition, Gender, and GEDIS. They were particularly excited about the Livelihood programs, which included Savings for Transformation, Marketing Skills, Agri-Business like IPDM (Intensive Pest and Disease Management), Poultry, and Resilient Inclusive Social Enterprise (RISE) component.

Through these components, they saw a significant improvement in their income and living standards. Their dedication and hard work not only benefited their family but also inspired other community members to participate in the program.

Even though they were doing well in other areas, the duo was having a tough time understanding nutrition. They were always finding it hard to ensure their family was eating a balanced and healthy diet. This became a big worry when their second daughter, Jamica, got very sick from malnutrition at the age of 2.

Rebecca and Castro were devastated. They had worked so hard to improve their lives, but they had neglected the importance of proper nutrition.

Fortunately, we intervened with funding support from MFAT to help through the WOVEN project’s nutrition component. We provided the PDH (Positive Deviant Health), Healthy Island Concept, and Agriculture Techniques Training to the Mamaguta Community under the Nutrition program. Jamica was a vibrant girl who had always faced health challenges due to poor nutrition. Her parents struggled with the knowledge of providing healthy nutrition.

Diagnosed with malnutrition at age 2, Jamica's health became a concern. She appeared pale, and weak with very low energy levels.

Through the project intervention, Jamica was put on a program called Positive Deviant Health (PDH) that focused on improving nutrition through innovative meal planning. Jamica was put on a 3- 3-cycle PDH program for monitoring. The program aimed to provide Jamica with nutrient-rich meals to help her regain her strength and energy.

The first cycle of the program lasted for 6 days, during which Jamica's meals were carefully prepared to ensure she received all the necessary nutrients. To her surprise, Jamica started gaining weight and feeling a bit more energetic by the end of the first cycle.

Encouraged by the progress, Jamica went on to the second cycle, which lasted for 12 days. Her meals were further increased with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Jamica's energy levels rose, and she was stronger and healthier with each passing day. Her parents were overjoyed to see their daughter's health improving so quickly.

After the completion of the third cycle, which lasted for 30 days, Jamica was a new person altogether. She was fully recovered, healthier, and more active than she had ever been before. Her once dull eyes were now bright and her pale appearance had transformed into a healthy glow.

I just witnessed the importance of nutrition. I saw how a balanced diet can make a huge difference in someone's health and well-being. It truly opened my eyes to the power of nourishing our bodies with the right foods. Jamica is a healthy little girl thanks to World Vision giving us the knowledge and wisdom of nutrition. She was a sick girl, all she did was sleep and cry, and now she's full of energy," says Rebecca.

Rebecca and Castro's lives changed when they discovered the importance of nutrition and balanced meals. They were taught backyard gardening by the World Vision Team on Agriculture Techniques Training as part of the Nutrition Program, giving them the knowledge to grow their vegetables in their backyard. They no longer have to rely on unhealthy processed foods and have seen improvements in their overall health and the well-being of their children.

The Mamaguta community faces a major challenge in accessing clean water. They have to travel 800 meters to reach a forest, where they cross a handmade swing bridge made from bush materials to an ever-flowing stream for drinking, washing, and cleaning utensils. However, thanks also to our WaSH intervention, the community now has a 9,000-liter tank with constructed housing to capture rainwater.

"Now it's helpful and easy for me to just walk over to the tank to fetch clean drinking water when preparing meals and storing water in a container for children to reach and drink", says Rebecca.

Rebecca and Castro express their gratitude towards World Vision PNG and the New Zealand Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for the life-changing opportunities they provide in the Mamaguta Community.

"World Vision has taught us many things to improve our livelihood, but one aspect that truly stands out and is essential to our well-being is the importance of balanced nutrition. Witnessing the remarkable recovery of Jamica, is a clear example of the impact of the Nutrition Program", adds Castro.

By prioritising balanced meals and gaining knowledge in nutrition, families can overcome challenges and live healthier and more, fulfilling lives.