From Red Zone to Recovery: One Mother's Journey Through Malnutrition
Tackling childhood malnutrition in Gwembe District through early detection, fortified foods, and community care
“Without the CSB++, I could have lost her again,” says Esnart, holding her now-active toddler. “It helped her gain weight and brought her back to life.”
Why CSB+ Matters
Corn soya Blend + and Corn Soya Blend + are not ordinary foods, they are specially formulated supplementary foods enriched with energy, protein and other micronutrients. For children 6-59 months, pregnant and breastfeeding women, they contain vital nutrients that promote healthy growth, boost immunity, and restore nutritional status. In drought-affected areas, this kind of intervention can mean the difference between survival and loss.
Nutrition Support in Numbers – Gwembe District
Since it was launched, the programme has been making a lasting difference:
- 🧒🏾 13,862 children screened for malnutrition.
- 🍚 2,200 children CSB++ with moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and 617 with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) women receiving CSB+.
- 🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 256 volunteers trained to detect and refer early cases.
- 📻 Over 73,000 people reached with nutrition messages via radio.
These are not just numbers—they are children thriving, women carrying healthier pregnancies, breastfeeding mothers receiving the right nutrients and communities growing stronger.
A New Beginning for Esnart and Thandiwe
Today, Thandiwe is healthy, energetic, and growing stronger every day. And Esnart, who was once uncertain and afraid, is now an advocate in her own right.
“I now understand how to protect my child’s health. I want to help other mothers too. We can’t wait until it’s too late.”
Esnart’ s journey is one of gaining new lifesaving knowledge, and second chances made possible through early detection, community outreach, and vital nutritional support from the ECHO-funded response. In Gwembe, where drought threatened to steal childhoods, nutrition has restored hope. With continued support, mothers like Esnart are not just feeding their children, they’re securing their futures.
