Mairo Umar, a 37-year-old mother of eight, lives in Gwange Sabon Layi, Maiduguri. She manages a small-scale business, like selling sachet water on the streets, earning as low as N800 a day. Her husband, an iron bender, works tirelessly, yet the weight of financial struggles looms over them. The family now struggles to cook even once daily, sometimes going without food entirely.
The challenges reached a breaking point when her youngest child, Umar Umar, just 12 months old, fell ill. Umar was battling with typhoid and malaria, leading to severe purging and vomiting. Despite frequent medication, his condition did not improve. As a mother, Mairo bore the pain of helplessness, watching her baby suffer.
One day, while at home, Mairo received an unexpected visit from Albarka Health Spring Foundation (AHSF) Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs). They sensitized her about the signs of malnutrition in children and the steps that can be taken to address it. After listening carefully to Mairo description of the symptoms her baby had been experiencing, the CNMs measured the child’s Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and immediately recognized the urgent need for intervention.
“Early detection saves lives. When mothers understand the signs of malnutrition, they become the first line of defense for their children’s health” – AHSF Community Nutrition Mobilizer.
She was referred to the nearest health facility for further treatment. The very next day, Mairo brought her child, Umar, to the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) site, where he was screened and admitted into the program. He successfully passed the appetite test using one sachet of Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). During the visit, AHSF ad-hoc staff also collected essential information about Umar’s health condition.
Mairo was provided with 14 sachets of RUSF and instructed to give Umar one sachet per day, with follow-up visits scheduled every two weeks. She followed all the guidance diligently washing her hands, face, and mouth before each feeding session. At every visit, she also received valuable education on personal hygiene, breastfeeding, immunization, and family planning.
With unwavering dedication, Mairo followed every instruction, and over time, she saw a remarkable transformation in her son. Umar was no longer malnourished; his health was fully restored. Her heart swelled with gratitude as she expressed her appreciation:
“I’m grateful—my child is no longer malnourished, fully restored now! Thank you, Albarka Spring Foundation (AHSF). Thank you, World Food Program (WFP). We deeply appreciate your tireless support. May God reward you abundantly.”
Mairo’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of humanitarian intervention. However, countless mothers and children still face similar struggles. Now is the time to act to support programs like TSFP, strengthen community awareness, and extend a hand to families in dire need.
Join the movement. Support maternal and child health initiatives. Together, we can save lives and restore hope!
