USAID-funded Protection and Nutrition Emergency Response Project in Mudzi District Brings hope amidst El Niño drought
By Ronald Magweta (World Vision Zimbabwe Communications Officer)
Mudzi, Zimbabwe - In the arid village of Nyamagwada, Tendayi (34) and Shylet (26), a resilient couple, face the harsh realities of the El Niño-induced drought. Both persons with disabilities, strive to provide for their two young children, aged 4 years and 17 months. However, their lives took a hopeful turn when they became participants in the USAID-funded Protection and Nutrition Emergency Response (PRONE) in Mudzi District, implemented by World Vision Zimbabwe and Musasa.
The relief project has been a lifeline for Tendayi and Shylet, offering them essential support during these challenging times. Through the program, they receive food vouchers consisting of mealie meal, beans, cooking oil, kapenta and peanut butter, providing a crucial safety net to help them cope with the devastating effects of the drought.
During a recent monitoring visit to Mudzi, a startling discovery was made. Shylet's 17-month-old son was found to have a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of 10.8cm, indicating severe acute malnutrition. The dedicated nurses at the clinic swiftly assessed the child's condition and provided him with Ready to Use Therapeutic Feed (RUTF), a nutrient-dense supplement designed to treat severe wasting.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Shylet expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the assistance rendered by USAID. "I really want to thank the donors for their unwavering support. In the midst of this drought, I can't imagine what we would do without their help," she said. "Previously, we relied on piece jobs for income, but due to the drought, those opportunities have vanished."
Shylet continued, "When it was discovered that my son was malnourished, the nurses took immediate action and provided him with the necessary treatment. I will faithfully bring him back to the clinic for follow up visits and I pray that he will regain his health soon."
Tendayi, echoed Shylet's sentiments of gratitude towards the generous donors who brought the PRONE for Mudzi project to their community. "I am deeply grateful to USAID for their invaluable assistance. They have made a tremendous difference in the lives of my family," he said.
"As a person with disabilities, finding water for my family has become extremely challenging. The wells have dried up due to the lack of rainfall. We can only hope that the PRONE for Mudzi project will return to our area, as people will suffer greatly without it."
The PRONE for Mudzi project stands as a beacon of hope for Tendayi, Shylet, and countless others affected by the El Niño-induced drought. Through the combined efforts of USAID, World Vision Zimbabwe, Musasa and the Government of Zimbabwe, this initiative continues to provide vital support, ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the assistance they desperately need.
As Tendayi and Shylet navigate the trials brought by the drought, their unwavering spirit and gratitude serve as a reminder of human resilience. Together, with the support of PRONE for Mudzi, they hold onto hope, overcoming adversity, and striving for a better future.
The PRONE for Mudzi which represents a shining example of how collaborations can make a lasting impact on the lives of those facing the harshest of circumstances is targeting 17,830 children that include 8,558 boys and 9,272 girls.