How Agness and Her Daughter Euster Overcame Malnutrition with World Vision Zambia’s Health Program

In a small village in Zambia, a young mother named Agness faced one of the most challenging battles of her life: saving her two-year-old daughter, Euster, from the grip of severe malnutrition. Diagnosed with acute malnutrition and child wasting, Euster was frail, unable to play or interact with children her age. Agness’s heart broke every time she looked at her daughter, who was too weak to enjoy the carefree days of childhood.

Agness's struggle began when Euster started showing signs of severe malnutrition. Euster’s health deteriorated quickly, and she became alarmingly thin. Visits to the local clinic confirmed Agness’s worst fears: Euster was suffering from acute malnutrition and child wasting. The prognosis was grim, and Agness was terrified of losing her daughter.

Desperation turned into determination when Agness joined a group of mothers whose children were underweight, together they attended the hearth sessions at the Insaka where volunteers trained by World Vision Zambia through its Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) program supervised the mothers during the cooking demonstrations. The Insaka group was a lifeline for mothers like Agness, who were fighting to save their children from the deadly grip of malnutrition.

The PDH program by World Vision Zambia is a community-based intervention that empowers mothers with the knowledge and skills to combat child malnutrition using locally available foods. Through practical, hands-on training sessions, mothers learn how to prepare nutritious meals for their children. The initiative focuses on sustainable practices and behavior change, crucial for long-term success in improving child health.

Agness recalls her first Insaka meeting with a mix of relief and hope. The women in the group brought various locally sourced food items they had grown or gathered. Under the guidance of trained volunteers, they learned to prepare nourishing meals tailored to meet the nutritional needs of their children. These sessions were more than just cooking classes; they were a source of strength and solidarity among the mothers, who shared their struggles and supported each other in their fight against malnutrition.

One of the most significant impacts of the Insaka meetings was the practical education Agness received. She learned about the importance of a balanced diet, how to incorporate nutrient-dense local foods, and the critical role of hygiene and health-seeking behaviors. These lessons transformed her approach to feeding and caring for Euster.

Agness saw a remarkable improvement in Euster’s health within weeks. The acute malnutrition that once threatened Euster’s life was now classified as mild. Euster gained weight, her energy levels increased, and the light returned to her eyes. For the first time in months, Euster could play and interact with other children, her laughter echoing through their small home.

“I will forever be grateful to World Vision Zambia for the support they have given to our mother group,” Agness says, her eyes welling up with tears. “Without their help, I don’t know where Euster and I would be today. Seeing my daughter happy and healthy again is the greatest gift.”

Despite the progress, Agness is concerned about the future. A looming drought, recently declared a national disaster, threatens to undo the hard-earned gains. The crops that Agness and her family depend on have withered under the relentless sun, jeopardizing their food supply and the ingredients needed for the Insaka sessions.

“The drought is a new danger,” Agness laments. “Most of our crops have dried up, and this will affect us severely, including Euster. The very produce we depend on to take to the Insaka is at risk. We need help to get through this.”

Agness’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of community-based interventions like the PDH program. Her gratitude towards World Vision Zambia is profound, and she hopes that more communities across the country can benefit from such life-saving programs.

“World Vision Zambia’s support has been incredible. They have given us hope and tools to fight malnutrition. I pray that this amazing program can be extended to more communities to help mothers and children who are suffering. We need this now more than ever, especially with the drought,” Agness says.

Agness’s journey with Euster is far from over, but with the support of World Vision Zambia and the strength of her community, she faces the future with renewed hope. The Insaka meetings have not only improved Euster’s health but also empowered Agness and other mothers with the resilience to overcome adversity. Together, they are building a healthier, brighter future for their children, one nourishing meal at a time.