Breaking myths, building health
How one mother’s choice transformed a community
In the rural River Atbara locality, 22-year-old Fatima cuddles her baby boy, born in a nearby health centre. Like other new mothers in her community, Fatima is supported by relatives after childbirth. But the same support system also has a strong influence on how she will nurture and care for her newborn.
Growing up, Fatima often saw and heard about newborns being fed water and herbal tea to keep them hydrated, especially during the hot season. After giving birth, she received the same advice from relatives- particularly her mother-in-law.
But everything changed when Fatima joined an awareness session led by the mother support group (MSG) in her community.
The MSG is a UNICEF-supported initiative under the Mother and Child Cash Transfer Plus (MCCT+) programme, designed to equip mothers with optimal infant and young child feeding practices during the crucial first 1,000 days of life, helping prevent malnutrition and giving infants the best start and healthy start in life.
It was here that Fatima learned that breastmilk alone is enough for the first six months- and that her baby didn’t need water, even in the hottest seasons.
Through regular sessions, pregnant and lactating mothers like Fatima learn how to feed their babies right from birth –exclusive breastfeeding until six months, followed by introducing nutritious foods. They are also taught how to combine readily available household ingredients into balanced meals to support healthy growth.
Volunteers explained that breastmilk is more than food- it is safe, nutritious, packed with antibodies, and acts as a child’s first vaccine. And breastfeeding isn’t just a mother’s job- it takes a whole community. With the volunteer’s encouragement, Fatima was able to give her child the best start.
“Breastfeeding my baby was the best thing I ever gave to him,” Fatima shared.
Regular follow-up visits ensured she stuck to the guidance and helped her overcome family resistance. For six months, she gave her baby only breastmilk. Each visit brought reassurance, praise for her determination, and gentle reminders of why her choice mattered. The result- a healthy, active baby free from illnesses.
“My baby gained weight and was healthy,” Fatima proudly said.
Since then, mothers in her community have turned to Fatima for guidance and advice on child nutrition. She has broken social norms, debunked myths around breastfeeding, and inspired change- starting with her own family. Through the MCCT+ programme, Fatima also received unconditional cash grants. This allowed her to meet household needs and buy nutritious foods essential for a lactating mother.
For Fatima, the MCCT+ was more than support — it was empowerment. It gave her the confidence to stand by her choice and the resources to help her child thrive.
MCCT+ is an integrated social protection programme that provides vulnerable pregnant women and lactating mothers with regular cash assistance, combined with knowledge, skills, and access to basic health, nutrition, and protection services.
To date, the programme delivered with support from the German Cooperation through the KFW Development Bank, has reached 33,000 mothers in four localities of Kassala State with unconditional cash grants, information, and connections to health services to support their children’s growth and development.
