From Despair to Hope: Combating Malnutrition in Cameroon’s North-West Region
In the crisis-affected regions of Cameroon, malnutrition has been a persistent challenge, threatening the lives and futures of countless children. However, through the unwavering support of UNICEF, funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and the dedicated efforts of the Cameroonian Baptist Convention (CBC) Health Services and its health workers, many children are now experiencing a new lease on life.
Abdalla’s Miracle
When Abdalla was four, he was severely malnourished and immobile. His mother, Hawa Abdu, recalls how he couldn’t sit or eat anything but milk. Despite many hospital visits, his condition didn’t improve. During a door-to-door screening, CBC health workers found Abdalla. They provided ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) to help him regain strength. Slowly, Abdalla began to move, talk, and support himself to walk. Today, Abdalla is preparing to start school, a dream come true for his family. His mother expresses deep gratitude: “We are really, really grateful to UNICEF and everyone who has helped us. Abdalla’s improvement is a miracle, and it gives us hope for the future.”
Delyte’s Transformation
When Delyte arrived at the CBC, his mother was desperate. Referred by another mother who had seen positive results in her child who was successfully managed for SAM by CBC, she traveled all the way from Yaoundé, hoping for a miracle. Delyte was suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), unable to sit or stand. At CBC, the team quickly diagnosed Delyte and started him on a nutritional therapy with Plumpy’Nut (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food — RUTF). The transformation was remarkable. Slowly, Delyte began to sit upright and even stand, showing signs of recovery that brought hope to his mother’s heart. Evodia, Delyte’s mother, shared her joy and relief: “When we first came, Delyte couldn’t stand. His legs were so weak and tiny. But now, he can stand and hold onto something. I see many changes, and I am very happy.”
Esther’s Journey
The story of Bebe Esther unfolds, showcasing the power of community support and the impact of UNICEF’s interventions. When Esther first arrived at the hospital, she was severely malnourished and unable to hold her head upright. Esther’s parents were informed that her disability is a part of who she is, and while it does not define her potential, addressing her malnutrition could significantly enhance her quality of life. With their agreement, Esther began a regimen of Plumpy’Nut, a therapeutic food designed to combat severe malnutrition. Over time, she gained strength, and her ability to sit upright improved.
Today, Esther thrives in a school that embraces UNICEF’s inclusive education strategy, which ensures that children of all abilities can access quality learning opportunities in an environment that supports their diverse needs. This approach reflects UNICEF’s broader commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. Her progress has brought immense joy to her family and the health workers who supported her. “Seeing Esther’s progress fills us with joy and confidence. It shows that our efforts, and the support from UNICEF and its donors, truly make a difference,” said one of the health workers.
Ernest’ Triumph
When Ernest was first brought to the attention of local health workers, his condition was dire. Severely malnourished and suffering from underlying ailments, Ernest struggled to gain the necessary weight to receive proper medical treatment. The turning point came when a community-based Health worker referred Ernest to the CBC, supported by UNICEF. They started Ernest on Plumpy nut, a therapeutic food. Slowly but progressively, Ernest began to gain weight and strength. Today, Ernest can sit upright, manipulate objects, and even ask for water. His progress has brought immense joy to his family and the health workers who supported him. Belinda, Ernest’s mother, expresses her gratitude: “We are really, really grateful to UNICEF and everyone who has helped us. Ernest’s improvement is a miracle, and it gives us hope for the future.”
The Bigger Picture
The UNICEF and Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) Health Services Nutrition project in the North-West, Cameroon, funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has reached thousands of children in the North-West and other crisis-affected regions of Cameroon. The project focuses on combating malnutrition and improving access and quality lifesaving wasting treatment for boys and girls under five by conducting active case-finding of children with malnutrition through door-to-door screening and the Family MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) approach, provision of infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E) support to caregivers, and pregnant and lactating women, strengthening the capacity of health workers and CHWs on integrated management of acute malnutrition (IMAM) and IYCF-E, and providing ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and comprehensive healthcare services to vulnerable children. Through door-to-door screenings, the project identifies malnourished children and offers essential nutritional support, while also educating parents on proper nutrition and hygiene. By building local capacity and fostering community involvement, the project has significantly improved health outcomes, increased awareness about malnutrition, and enhanced community resilience, ensuring a healthier future for children in crisis-affected regions.
In the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, the malnutrition crisis is severe, with an estimated 291,862 children under five expected to suffer from wasting, including 111,817 with severe wasting. In May 2024 alone, 328 new cases were detected. These figures underscore the urgent need for continued nutritional support and interventions. Despite the challenges, efforts by UNICEF and CBC have improved the nutritional status and overall health of thousands of children, highlighting the need for ongoing support to ensure all children can thrive.
— — — By Salomon Marie Joseph Beguel, Communication Officer-UNICEF
