Isah and Musa’s Journey to Recovery
A Story of Hope and Healing
Gusau, Zamfara State – Just five weeks ago, 4-year-old Isah and 3-year-old Musa were in a critical condition. The siblings were suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and had been referred to the Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) center at Dr. Khadija Primary Healthcare Center in Gusau.
Hauwa Isma’il, their mother, watched in despair as her children grew weaker by the day. It was a neighbour from her village in Hilin Jirgi who advised her to take them to the OTP center. In desperation, Hauwa made the journey, clinging to the hope that her children could be saved.
“I was so worried when they both started falling sick,” Hauwa recounted. “As they became so thin, I was scared for their lives. My neighbour told me about this place and I decided to come immediately. Before, I couldn’t sleep because of the worry. But ever since we started coming here, my mind has been at peace.”
Just weeks into SAM treatment, the transformation in Isah and Musa is remarkable. The therapeutic care and nutrition supplements provided at the OTP have restored their health and vitality. Hauwa, beaming with relief and gratitude, shared her joy.
"I am so happy. The staff here cared for my children and provided them with everything they needed. Look at them now—they are strong and healthy again.”
Transforming lives through OTP centers
Hauwa’s story is just one of several similar cases peppered across the Zamfara State. OTP centers, supported by Government of Canada (GAC), USAID and BHA have become a lifeline for these children suffering from malnutrition. These centers provide critical care, including medical treatment, therapeutic food, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring children like Isah and Musa can recover and thrive.
At Dr. Khadija Primary Healthcare Center, hundreds of malnutrition cases are treated every month, either through direct visits by caregivers or referrals from surrounding communities. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to combat severe acute malnutrition and reduce child mortality in the region.
A brighter future for children in Zamfara
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of healthcare workers and the support of partners like UNICEF, thousands of children in Zamfara are now receiving a second chance at life. The story of Isah and Musa is a testament to the transformative power of community-based healthcare interventions.
For mothers like Hauwa, these OTP centers are more than just a place of medical treatment—they are a beacon of hope, offering a brighter, healthier future for their children.
