Nathalie and Shleydine, a victory against malnutrition

Gonaïves, Haiti– In a modest neighborhood in Gonaïves, 30-year-old Nathalie cradles her six-month-old daughter in her arms. The young mother’s expression is a mix of relief and exhaustion. "She’s smiling again. That’s all that matters," she says, a shy smile lighting up her face. This smile, she explains, is thanks to the support she received at the K-Soleil centre, backed by UNICEF with funding from the European Union and Government of Canada, which saved her baby’s life.

A daily struggle against hunger

As a single mother, Nathalie faces overwhelming challenges. Without a stable income, she struggles to put food on the table. "Sometimes, we go days without eating. I do my best, but it’s never enough," she confesses, her voice heavy with sadness.

The harsh living conditions had dire consequences for her daughter’s health. Weak and irritable, the infant cried constantly and refused to eat. "When she was hungry and all I had to offer was my milk, she refused to nurse. I had to let her cry. I felt powerless, broken," Nathalie recalls, tears in her eyes.

A life-changing encounter

Nathalie’s life took an unexpected turn when she visited the K-Soleil centre to vaccinate her daughter. There, the healthcare staff quickly diagnosed the infant with severe malnutrition. "I didn’t realize how sick she was. I came for a vaccine, and they told me she needed immediate care," she explains.

At K-Soleil, Nathalie’s daughter received treatment with ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) provided for free by UNICEF. Combined with vitamins and appropriate medications, this treatment gave her baby a new lease on life.

A turning point

Within just a few weeks, Nathalie noticed a remarkable transformation in her baby. " Now, she eats well and even laughs sometimes," Nathalie shares, her joy evident.

The support didn’t stop at treatment. Nathalie also received practical advice on nutrition and hygiene, on gender-based violence and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. "They showed me how to prepare balanced meals with what I have at home. They also taught me how to treat water to make it safe to drink," she says.

A shared struggle for many

Nathalie’s story is not unique. At the K-Soleil centre, every hallway is filled with similar tales. Stacy Gabriel, another mother, shares her own battle. "I knew my nine-month-old baby was malnourished, but I had lost everything during my pregnancy, including my business," she explains.

It was a neighbour who told Stacy about the centre. Today, she feels relieved to have her daughter enrolled in the free treatment programme supported by UNICEF. "The nurse assured me that with ready to use therapeutic food, my daughter would improve in four to six weeks. I no longer have to face this alone," she says with hope.

A crucial partnership with UNICEF

The K-Soleil centre, with the support of UNICEF, is a lifeline for thousands of families in Gonaïves. In addition to providing malnutrition treatments and essential medications, UNICEF supports educational campaigns to teach families the basics of balanced nutrition and the importance of hygiene practices, such as water treatment.

For Dr. Berthaud Jeannithon, K-Soleil’s medical director, this partnership is essential. "Without UNICEF, we couldn’t meet the growing needs. Every child saved here is a victory against malnutrition," he emphasizes.

A brighter future for Nathalie and her daughter

Today, Nathalie looks at her daughter with renewed hope. Though challenges remain, she feels better equipped to provide a safer future for her child. "I don’t have the words to express my gratitude. They gave me more than care; they gave me the chance to watch my daughter grow up healthy," she says, her voice filled with emotion.