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Portrait of Nantene (18 months, released) A few months ago Nantene almost lost her life after being diagnosed at the local clinic with acute malnutrition. Thanks to UNICEF and the distribution of "Plumpy Nut" a peanut based product used to treat SAM (Seve
Awa prepares a meal for the family at their homestead. “Although Sikasso is seemingly the bread basket of Mali, the rate of malnutrition here remains surprisingly high. This can be attributed to mothers refusing to breastfeed properly, an inability to t
Awa and Nantene (released) at their homestead in Sikasso, Mali. A few months ago, Awa almost lost Nantene after she was diagnosed with Acute Malnutrition. Malnutrition is inextricably linked to poverty and affects the most vulnerable people. For biologica
Awa and her neighbour finish the washing up at home, Sikasso town Mali. Malnutrition is inextricably linked to poverty and affects the most vulnerable people. UNICEF continues to emphasise prevention activities and increasing access to quality care for se
Awa embraces Nantene at home, thankful and encouraged that she is stronger and starting to put on weight (released). Since Nantene started on the Plumpy Nut, she put on weight and has much more energy. Awa hopes that by the grace of God, she will have a l
Awa (20 yrs) and Nantene (18 months) enjoy a moment together on their bed at home. But a few months ago Awa, almost lost her first and only child to chronic acute malnutrition. Thanks to UNICEF and the distribution of "Plumpy Nut" a peanut based prduct us
A mother and child at the local hospital where they are admitted and the child is treated for severe acute malnutrition. Chronic malnutrition has an irreversible impact on a child’s growth and development. According to UNICEF, more than two in every thr
Awa and Nantene arrive at the CScom Wayerma1 Health Centre for Nantene’s check ups, medication and ongoing support. For Awa and Nantene, the arrival of the Plumpy Nut at the Cscom local Health Centre in Sikasso is the difference between life and death.
Awa and Nantene at the CScom Wayerma1 Health Centre, SIkasso  where the doctor checks Nantene’s MUAC (measurement upper arm circumference) UNICEF continues to emphasise prevention activities and increasing access to quality care for severely malnourishe
At the clinic, children are examined for SAM (severe acute malnutrition) their MUAC is taken as well as the measurements of their upper arms. UNICEF continues to emphasise prevention activities and increasing access to quality care for severely malnourish
Awa and Nantene receive a sachet of “plumpy Nut” which is a peanut-based paste administered for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition. UNICEF continues to emphasise prevention activities and increasing access to quality care for severely malnour
Women wait at the local clinic where their babies are examined, inoculated and cared for. Although Plumpy Nut is a major contributor to reducing the rate of malnutrition in the region, a behavioural change amongst the community is also necessary. Women’

Sikasso, Mali

Against All Odds

“In our culture, when a women gets married, it is considered a great blessing if she has a baby immediately. My husband and I were very pleased when I fell pregnant with my first baby. I was 18 years old.” – Awa Berthe

Sadly, in June 2016, twenty-year-old Awa, almost lost her first and only child to chronic acute malnutrition. Nantene, who was only 18 months old kept losing weight and was constantly ill. Initially Awa thought it was just a bad cold or upper respiratory infection. Her mother encouraged her to see the local traditional healer for help, but this did not help and Nantene’s health just continued to deteriorate until Awa thought she might lose her.

At the Health Centre, the doctor examined Nantene, by weighing her and measuring her MUAC (measurement of upper arm circumference) and picked up immediately that she was suffering from acute malnutrition. Nantene was put onto a course of Plumpy Nut, which is a peanut-based paste administered for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition.

For Awa and Nantene, the arrival of the Plumpy Nut at the Cscom local Health Centre in Sikasso is the difference between life and death. Awa hopes that by the grace of God, she will have a long life and be educated.  “I hope she will finish her schooling, go on to serve her community, and that she will grow into a good woman.” – Awa

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