Six weeks to save a life
Halima had severe acute malnutrition, the most life-threatening form of hunger. Her hands and feet were swollen, and inflamed patches on her skin had darkened and peeled. Her hair lost its colour, became brittle and started falling out.
Fatuma heard about a nearby Action Against Hunger-funded medical centre that could help her daughter. The next day she was admitted.
With expert care over six weeks, Halima was nursed back to health. She was given therapeutic milk and, later, ready-to-use therapeutic food to help her grow stronger and healthier. Our team also advised Fatuma on the best way to feed Halima and good hygiene practices.
With the treatment she received, Halima has recovered well. Although she may never grow as tall as her peers, Fatuma knows that further delay could have caused permanent physical and learning disabilities, leaving Halima’s life in further danger.
“I am so grateful for the constant support I have received from Action Against Hunger,” says Fatuma.
A brighter future ahead
Three months into Halima’s recovery, Fatuma’s ex-husband came back to demand care of his children.
With the support of her uncle, Fatuma took some of the before and after photos taken by Action Against Hunger and presented them at a court case. She was granted full custody of her children with the support from the elders and her uncle.
“It’s hard for me that I have to occasionally fight for my rights as a mother to be with my children but my determination to keep them healthy and happy is what drives me to look out for them every day,” explains Fatuma.
Names have been changed to protect identities.
Your generous support helps us to save the lives of malnourished children around the world. In Somalia, Halima was able to recover thanks to investment from UK aid into the health facility where she was treated. We’re also grateful for the support of players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, who enable mums like Fatuma to tell us their stories about their children’s transformation thanks to the work of Action Against Hunger.
