From malnutrition to medicine: Miriam’s journey to becoming a doctor
“I want her to go to school. I want to educate her. I want her to be a doctor. I will tell her story to her. She is my first doctor.” These are the heartfelt words of Aïcha, a dedicated mother from Bamenda. Her journey with Miriam, a little girl battling severe malnutrition, is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and community support.
Yvonne, a social worker, working with the CBC Health Services recalls the day she first met Miriam through the CERF project, which trains community health workers to screen children for malnutrition. Miriam’s condition was dire; she was two years old, had never received any vaccinations, and could barely sit up on her own. Her mother, unable to care for her, had left her in the care of her aunt, Aïcha.
Aïcha discovered Miriam’s condition during a visit to her brother and brought her to a clinic, where they were told to treat her for malnutrition before any other medical interventions could begin. Fortunately, a community health worker found Miriam and referred her to Yvonne.
“When we started Miriam’s treatment, she was so weak and fragile,” Yvonne remembers. “Her father didn’t want her to take vaccines, but her aunt, who is very supportive, agreed to the treatment.”
Over the next two months, Miriam’s transformation was nothing short of miraculous. With the help of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and vaccinations, she began to gain strength. “Miriam could not walk or sit well when we first met her,” Yvonne says. “But now, she walks and talks very well. It’s incredible to see her progress.”
Aïcha shares her joy and relief. “One day, Miriam started moving, and I was so overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I went straight to the hospital to show them her progress.”
Miriam’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of dedicated health workers and community support. Aicha’s dream for Miriam is clear: “I want her to go to school. I want to educate her. I want her to be a doctor. She is my first doctor.”
Thanks to the UNICEF and Cameroonian Baptist Convention (CBC) Health Services Nutrition project, funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), thousands of children like Miriam are receiving the care they need. This project provides ready-to-use therapeutic food and comprehensive healthcare services, significantly improving health outcomes and enhancing community resilience.
In the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon, the malnutrition crisis is severe, with thousands of children suffering from wasting. Despite the challenges, the efforts by UNICEF and CBC have brought hope and health to many, highlighting the need for continued support to ensure all children can thrive.
— — — By Salomon Marie Joseph Beguel, Communication Officer
