Félix, Mindouli's voice against malnutrition

Félix lives in Mindouli, a small town in the Pool department of the Republic of Congo. The father of two children, a girl and a boy, has been working at the local community radio station for ten years. He is also a civil registrar, responsible for registering births, and a community relay.  

Felix is part of a support group of six volunteers trained to raise awareness among the population and detect cases of severe acute malnutrition, both at the health centre and throughout the health district. 

In the Republic of Congo, the departments of Pool, Plateaux, Cuvette and Likouala have the highest rates of acute malnutrition among children. In Pool, for example, 6 out of 100 children suffer from it. Thanks to the support of the United States Government, UNICEF is providing assistance there.  

But their work doesn't stop there. They also go to neighborhoods and markets with megaphones and image boxes to talk to families about child health. Above all, they explain how to prevent severe acute malnutrition, a disease that prevents children from growing properly. With his group, Felix has already visited Moutessi, La Cité and Mouboulou neighborhoods. During these visits, they identified children at risk, screened them and referred them to the integrated health center (CSI).  

Félix remains active outside of his working hours at the radio station or town hall. He walks the streets, talks to parents and observes children. When he spots signs of malnutrition – weight loss, swollen cheeks, discolored hair – he immediately refers them to the health center. Thanks to his commitment, several seriously ill children have been treated. ‘I remember at least five cases of malnutrition that I detected myself. Seeing these children get better, moving from the red zone to the green zone, is my greatest reward,’ he says. 

Félix and his team's mission is not always easy. Sometimes parents delay taking their children to the health center, which worsens the child's condition. Despite this, Félix continues to raise awareness with hope and determination. He has seen children regain weight and mothers return to thank him, and this gives him the strength to continue. 

Sometimes, a lack of resources limits their ability to travel to certain neighborhoods. But they persevere in their work. Since they began their awareness-raising activities on severe acute malnutrition, 65 children have been treated and 62 are now cured. Félix believes that with a little more support, every child can have a chance to grow up healthy. Felix is an example to his community. Thanks to him, children are healthier, and families are better informed.

As a journalist, my role is to inform, educate and even entertain. I will continue to help as much as I can,’ he says with conviction. Felix is an example to his community. Thanks to him, children are healthier, and families are better informed.