When Abdi* was severely malnourished, his grandmother was extremely worried
In drought-stricken Somaliland, food is scarce and the livestock and crops have died. Families are struggling with hunger, and those who have children under their care face the intense pressure and worry to put food on the table.
With six grandchildren to feed, Ayaan* remembers an easier life before the drought:
“We used to meet our daily needs. We had everything and lived a good life. But now the situation is worse. We are facing challenges. We are now poor. We are experiencing hunger. Even now, I don’t have food to cook for lunch.”
Ayaan describes the emotional toll of seeing her grandchildren go hungry. “Children will ask you to give them the food which is not available. They will cry … It's difficult to see your children facing hunger.”
Can a grandmother’s love defeat a deadly condition?
Despite her best efforts, Ayaan’s youngest grandchild Abdi fell ill with severe acute malnutrition.
“We didn’t know what the child was suffering from until he was checked by the nurse, who informed us that the child was suffering from malnutrition. We could see that he was sick … He starts crying for no apparent reason and his behaviour also changes.”
A nurse screens Abdi for malnutrition with a band that measures his mid-upper arm circumference
Having this diagnosis triggered the life-saving treatment to help Abdi recover. Thanks to Save the Children’s compassionate supporters Abdi received a lifeline of support, which included an ambulance to transport him to the health centre.
A package of health interventions for Abdi
Ayan’s grandmotherly love combined with help from people like you brought Abdi from malnutrition to good health. A relieved Ayaan only had words of thanks …
“The centre assisted in giving [Abdi] the medications needed … The centre really assisted. We were warmly welcomed with open hands. They feel empathy. They do a lot ... I am grateful for the services. Thanks to them.”
For malnourished children like Abdi, there’s an effective and practical solution in the form of nutrient-rich peanut paste. Packed with protein, minerals and vitamins in each sachet, this treatment can quickly help a malnourished child to regain their energy and start to recover.
This high-nutrient peanut paste is a compact meal in itself that can save children’s lives.
There’s no one more visibly relieved than doting grandmother Ayaan:
“Now he recovered. Now he is healthy. He is playful. He knows a variety of games. Most of his time, he is playing.”
Photos: Mustafa Saeed / Save the Children
*Names have been changed to protect identities