Mother’s love: Maria cuddles her son while he waits for treatment at the malnutrition clinic
When patients leave, their families fear the worst. Providing meals in Angola is a difficult task as drought and unemployment persist
By Kenia Diva
Mothers often reach malnutrition clinics in Angola too late. There are long distances to travel, little money for transport, other children to look after and work to be done.
Maria and her three-year-old son Hiagino arrived at the clinic in Benguela just in time. Maria, who is only 18, feared her son might die because his entire body was swollen and he had a fever. His belly “looked like a ball”.
Additionally, she had already been to a local clinic which didn’t help and so had to travel the 20km to get to Benguela.
Signs of malnutrition
Higiano had oedema, a symptom of kwashiorkor, which is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition. Oedema occurs when there is too much fluid in the body’s tissues, causing swelling under the skin. Later, lesions in the skin can appear and start to peel. The bloated tummy is also a symptom.
Many children under five continue to die from this condition.
Fortunately for Hiagino, he was able to receive treatment. ForAfrika delivers therapeutic milk and food to malnutrition clinics.
After two weeks, Hiagino’s swelling had gone down. But there is still a long road ahead for this family.
Going home is stressful
After being discharged, patients do receive take-home rations of fortified rice and are asked to check in regularly. However, at home they struggle to find food. Maria says they typically go two to three days without any meals. She is dependent on her brother for food. Her mother helps when she can, but also does not work.
“I love my son very much. I hope my child will get the chance to go to school to get educated and be well – not like me, who didn’t have the opportunity to go to school,” she says, close to tears.
ForAfrika is working hard to ensure all African families have the resources they need to move from surviving to thriving. Supporting our livelihoods projects means saving lives. You can donate to assist today.
Kenia Diva is Communications Officer for Angola
