Feed 30 malnourished young children in Kenyan slum

Introduction

Good nutrition and feeding practices are critical to a child’s growth and development especially during the first two years of life. Malnutrition refers to a state of either under-nutrition or over-nutrition. Under-nutrition occurs when the diet a person consumes does not meet their body’s requirement for growth and development whereas over-nutrition occurs when a person consumes too many calories. Under-nutrition impairs a child’s immunity, which can lead to recurrent infections, and impaired physical and cognitive development.

At Macheo we believe in empowering families to improve their children's nutritional status through the utilization of local foods. This is an important step in promoting community health and well-being. This plays a crucial role in providing communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about nutrition and health. We achieve this by having seminars for mothers whose children are malnourished or where the mother is undernourished and she is either pregnant or breastfeeding.

Enhancing the nutritional status of young children is particularly vital as it directly impacts their growth, development, and overall health. Adequate nutrition during the early years is essential for optimal physical and cognitive development, immune system functioning, and long-term health outcomes. It lays the foundation for children to reach their full potential and become productive members of society in the future.

Our success Story

Hannah* is the second child in a family of two residing in the serene rural areas of Itetani. Her parents, a hardworking mother and a shop attendant father, strive to provide for their family. However, their lives took an unexpected turn when Hannah's health started deteriorating. the tender age of 1 year and ten months, Hannah was identified by a Macheo social worker. During the assessment, her frail appearance and lack of energy raised concerns. Weighing only 9.2 kilograms, she fell under moderate acute malnutrition according to the World Health Organization's standards. It became evident that her feeding habits were poor, as indicated by a 24-hour dietary recall method. Additionally, her mother shared that Hannah had a significantly reduced appetite, causing distress for the family.

A nutritionist from Macheo provided Hannah with nutrition supplements, which played a vital role in her weight gain and improvement in appetite. Her mother received valuable nutrition information to support her health, and further continuous monitoring and follow-ups were conducted to ensure her progress. Recognising the importance of holistic care, A Macheo counsellor offered psychosocial support to help Hannah's mother cope with the challenges they faced.

Furthermore, Macheo proved instrumental in transforming the family's circumstances. They were provided with seed capital, empowering them to establish their shop. This newfound business opportunity brought stability to their lives, enabling them to meet the basic needs of Hannah and her sibling.

Today, Hannah's progress is nothing short of remarkable. She is steadily gaining weight, and her once-pale appearance has become a radiant smile. Her joy and jovial nature brighten the lives of those around her. Thanks to the unwavering support of Macheo, the family has been uplifted, and Hannah's health and well-being have been restored. During follow-up visits, her mother proudly exclaims, "I’m grateful we were referred to Macheo."

The transformative impact of Macheo's interventions continues to inspire hope and create opportunities for vulnerable children and families. Your support can make a difference in the lives of many more children like Hannah. Together, we can nurture brighter futures and empower families to thrive.

We are Greatful to GlobalGiving for giving Macheo a platform to raise resources to reach out to children.