Save the Life of a Malnourished Child

With your support Edesia shipped life-saving, ready-to-use foods, Plumpy’Nut and Plumpy’Sup to Ethiopia for children impacted by the worst drought the country has seen in the last 50 years. Additional shipments and supplies will continue as the crisis peaks in the coming months. The drought and impending famine is a result of an especially strong El Nino. The situation is dire and wreaking havoc on an already fragile health care system. In partnership with other non-government organizations and the Ethiopian government, Edesia is responding swiftly to support relief and recovery efforts so our products reach the most vulnerable populations.

Across Ethiopia children are being diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). In one treatment clinic a young mother, Hawa, brought her one year old son, Mamo, (not his real name) for treatment. His upper arm circumference measurement (the best health indicator of malnutrition) was just 10.5cm (4 inches). Hawa immediately received a two week supply of ready-to-use therapeutic food (Plumpy’Nut) for him. Mamo and Hawa will receive follow-up treatments and supplies of Plumpy’Nut, 3-4 packets per day for about 4-7 weeks, until he is better and his arm circumference reaches at least 5 inches. At that point his treatment will likely be adapted to using ready-to-use supplementary food (Plumpy’Sup). Mamo will eat Plumpy’Sup with regular food to sustain him and keep him healthy through the lean season.

Thanks to you Edesia can reach as many children suffering from malnutrition as possible, like Mamo.  Saving the lives of malnourished children is the best investment in global health. Thank you for making an impact so children receive the support they need to lead healthy and productive lives.

Links:

• Ethiopia's Draught Needs Global Attention
• Update on Impacted Regions In Ethiopia
• Growing Food Crisis In Ethiopia