Queen is an orphaned baby whose mother died when she was 1 month old, with very little help from relatives, she started taking porridge at an early stage since there were no resources to provide other food items. Before AFOD came in, she would be given cassava porridge mixed with groundnut paste but this did not last for long as the care taker was equally in dire need for help, this caused the child to develop swellings on her body, a condition referred to as oedema.
When AFOD community mobilization assistants came to Waju 1 for community education and sensitization, Queen was identified, her MUAC taken and she was eligible for TSFP program, after 2 months, there was a great improvement in the child’s health, the swellings that the child had developed on the face and legs had reduced. Whenever I go to sleep, remarks the mother, ‘I always make sure I pray that AFOD Nutrition programme goes on in order for my child to receive continuous help. I am very happy that the child is doing well now.’
When asked about what she has learnt from the program, she remarked, ‘I have learned about the best ways of looking after children, good hygiene practice, and porridge preparation.’
Her advice to the community, “whoever has a child whose status was like mine, that person should report to the health center because there is an organization that is managing such cases.” She also offered to accompany any person whose child has a similar condition to the health facility as such conditions can be treated.
Caption: A Foster Mother of Queen holding her as she narrates her story
