Feed 30 malnourished young children in Kenyan slum

We have been able to provide nourishment and life giving help to children, because you contributed directly to their success! Thank you so much for considering Macheo US in your giving.

From the Field, by Seth Mwangi

The problem of malnutrition in the Kiandutu slums has a lot to do with the fact that the area is so remote and is a shanty town. This combined with poverty, lack of education and an lack of availability of food, contributes to a range of challenges for families and children specifically. 

Meet Stephan (not his real name) was a very sharp and active baby boy living with his single mother and three other siblings in the Kiandutu slums. At one year and four months old, Stephan was acutely malnourished, his mother Anita was worried about how low his weight was and had noticed that he lacked the energy to stand on his legs.  Stephan’s weight was fluctuating, his arms too thin andhe was simply too small. He fell sick so often because his body did not have the same ability to fight off infection as a well-nourished child’s body would. What’s more, as is common with children dealing with malnutrition, he had little appetite, which only aggravated his condition and the complications he was experiencing. Generally, children gain weight as they grow, but by that age, Stephan was experiencing a troubling symptom of what would become a much more complex condition; malnutrition.

When Macheo identified Stephan, his family was going through a lot.  Anita carried her poverty into adulthood, doing odd jobs with periods of homelessness and hunger. But more disturbing was that poverty had started to take its toll on her children. Anita lived with worries about how she had to take on the responsibility in the household as the odd jobs earned very little to support the family. 

Through Macheo, Stephan was enrolled in our Malnourished Children’s Program that provide children with the necessary nutrition to overcome and prevent health conditions or malnutrition that would otherwise hold them back. Stephan received therapeutic nutritional care he needed, along with monthly food supplement and intensive follow-up to help reinforce a diet that includes nutritionally dense foods supplies. The Macheo service provider immediately gave him the medication and dietary treatment as well as around-the-clock care and the nutrition he needed to grow healthier. After three months in the program, Stephan gradually recorded an improvement in his weight and was able to walk on his own and play around with other children.

Anita celebrated the outcome, saying: “I am proud to see that my son is back on track for normal development and good health.” She also gained a lot through trainings on how to keep Stephan healthy by practicing proper nutrition, breastfeeding, parenting and entrepreneurial skills that she learned from our workshops. Anita also started a small business that has been able to support her family.  Stephan one of the dozens children who are now enjoying healthy childhoods thanks to the care and support provided by Macheo Children’s Home. 

It is all because of you, and without your support, Stephan would still be struggling.

Thank You!