By Sanju Poudel | Project Leader
Seventeen-month old “Sanjowk” – skinny, pale, and undoubtedly ill – was rushed to the front of the health screening line at the August 22nd 2018 Nutrition Outreach Camp in Sindhupalchowk. He weighed only 16 pounds and was 28 inches tall – the size of an average 9 month old baby in the US.
At the pediatrician checkup, little Sanjowk and his mother were referred to the closest Nutrition Rehabilitation Home (NRH) for free immediate treatment.
During the NRH intake process, he was diagnosed with severe Anemia (Iron Deficiency), and nutritionists learned that Sanjowk’s diet consisted of mostly rice with some lentils.
He was carefully fed a doctor-prescribed diet (local foods including milk, fruits, and green leafy vegetables). While he stayed longer than the average three weeks, in 54 days he reached normal weight. He was no longer anemic and his mood and health completely transformed.
At the same time Sanjowk’s mother also learned about nutrition and the importance of fruits and leafy vegetables for keeping her family healthy. At discharge, his mother happily shared “ I did not know I could fed leafy vegetables and citrus fruits to the children, I had heard that such food caused cold for the children. Now I realize these are the real medicines for the children”.
While malnutrition is a serious problem in Nepal, with your support, it can be easy to address and makes a tremendous difference. Thank you!
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By Sanju Poudel | Project Leader
By Sanju Poudel | Project Leader
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