Addressing malnutrition in drought-affected Afar region of Ethiopia
A mother’s story of hope and determination to save her son’s life
Ayisha's story is not unique. It is very common to have malnutrition cases in Assayta , Afar, where access to nutritious food is limited in the community. Ayisha's journey began when her 7-month-old son, Mohammed, started to show signs of malnutrition. Mohammed lost weight and was weak when he was first admitted to Assayta Hospital, where the doctor diagnosed him with severe malnutrition.
At the hospital, Mohammed has been receiving a range of treatments including therapeutic milk, and other medications to help him recover.
Ayisha is grateful for the care that her son has been receiving at the hospital, however, her journey is far from over. She knows that the road ahead will be difficult, but she is determined to keep fighting for her child's future.
“I had to leave my family behind so I could stay with my son and help him receive the necessary treatment,” said Ayisha. “We used to have goats and milk to provide for my family, but now we have nothing. The drought and lack of rain have significantly affected our lives and as a result, my son has become severely malnourished.”
“I thank Allah that my son is now recovering, and I am happy to see that he is making progress. However, I am concerned that his condition may relapse because I believe our situation will remain the same when we return home”.
Thanks to Global Humanitarian Thematic Funding (GHTF), UNICEF is working towards providing access to healthcare and nutrition in drought-hit regions of Ethiopia. This flexible form of funding is crucial in ensuring that families like Ayisha can have the support they need to build a better future. As Such, Global Humanitarian Thematic Funding (GHTF) is helping UNICEF have the resources it needs to respond to humanitarian crises and provide assistance to the most vulnerable children in Ethiopia in a timely and effective manner.
