... 40% of admissions to nutrition facilities are now initiated by mothers - UNICEF
Imagine the heart-wrenching sight of a tiny, emaciated child, their eyes sunken and their skin taut. Imagine having to nurse a child afflicted with the highest levels of malnutrition! Imagine the sight of more of these children in your community!
Imagine watching your child die of malnutrition-related complications! Imagine listening to your baby squeak.
This is the reality faced by countless mothers in the BAY states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
"Out of ignorance we watch our babies suffer and die of malnutrition. Today, our efforts are making a difference. Our children are surviving," Alhari's mothers support group said.
Driven by a fierce determination to protect their children from the ravages of malnutrition, these courageous women have risen, defying the odds and taking the lead in ensuring the survival of their offspring.
Tired of watching their children suffer and die, these mothers have become frontline warriors in the fight against malnutrition. Despite facing immense challenges, they have found innovative ways to provide essential care and support to their communities.
For these unsung heroes of their communities, their ultimate goal is to stamp out malnutrition and other child killer diseases that have long been a silent killer in the heart of Nigeria's northeastern states.
For years, babies born in communities across Nigeria, particularly in the BAY states have continued to suffer from the consequences of malnutrition. Sadly, the situation has been compounded by the current food insecurity, leaving approximately 2.8 million children under five and pregnant and lactating women in need of preventive nutrition services.
According to the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, Borno Field Office, Dr Tushar Rane, these three states are battling escalating levels of malnutrition, hence, the need for immediate and holistic response to address it.
Findings have shown that if not provided with quality preventative services, approximately 1.7 million boys, girls, women, and adolescents across the BAY states are likely to be affected by acute malnutrition during 2024, including 206,779 pregnant and lactating women are expected to suffer acute malnutrition.
According to the 2023 lean season Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance (NFSS) Round 13 conducted across the BAY states, the prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) among children under 5 years in Borno is 10.2 per cent, 8.0 per cent in Yobe and 4.0 per cent in Adamawa. This also means that an estimated 511,807 children under five suffer from severe acute malnutrition annually, requiring urgent interventions to save their lives.
To address these concerns in the BAY states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, mothers are banding together to combat malnutrition's scourge with UNICEF's support.
Armed with determination and a newfound knowledge of child health, they are screening their children for malnutrition, treating minor cases at home, and educating their communities about the importance of nutrition and hygiene.
Alhari, a mother support group in Borno state, exemplifies this inspiring movement. It is one of the over 4,000 active groups in the North East. In Maiduguri alone, about 1,000 groups are being supported by UNICEF and partners.
These women, many of whom are illiterate, have learned to screen their children for malnutrition and provide basic treatments. Their dedication has led to a significant improvement in the health of their communities.
The situation in the BAY states is dire. Food insecurity, exacerbated by conflict and climate change, has left millions of children and pregnant women at risk of malnutrition. The women's efforts are crucial in mitigating the crisis.
Community-led fight
However, Ajiya Ussaina Abba Ibrahim, a lead mother in the Maiduguri region, has been instrumental in empowering women to screen and treat malnourished children.
She recalled that it was difficult to convince women about exclusive breastfeeding and other important practices as many had misconceptions and believed that their children needed additional water or food.
Ibrahim and her fellow community nutrition mobilisers have worked tirelessly to educate mothers about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, proper hygiene, and nutritious feeding practices. They have faced challenges, including limited access to resources and cultural beliefs, but have persevered in their mission.
One of Ibrahim's most significant challenges is motivating women to attend community meetings. "Some women struggle to find time due to their household responsibilities," she explains. "We try to make the meetings as convenient and informative as possible to encourage participation."
Despite these challenges, Ibrahim's efforts have yielded impressive results. The women she has trained have become empowered to identify and address malnutrition in their communities. They have also learned to use simple tools, such as the MUAC tape, to measure children's nutritional status.
"The MUAC tape has been a game-changer," Ibrahim says. "It allows mothers to monitor their children's health and seek help when needed."
Ibrahim's dedication and leadership have inspired other women in the community to join the fight against malnutrition. Her efforts have not only saved lives but have also strengthened the community's resilience.
"The MUAC tape has been a game-changer," says Aisha Mohammed, a mother of three in Maiduguri. "I can now monitor my children's health and take action if I notice any signs of malnutrition."
Aisha explained that the programme also provides them with counselling on nutrition, breastfeeding, and child care.
Bulama Mustpha, a community leader in Lainyin jere, in Maiduguri, praised the women's work. "They are carrying out their duties actively," he says. "I have been seeing them doing their work for the community."
One of the benefits of the women's teaching is improved hygiene practices. Children are now more likely to wash their hands and avoid walking barefoot in dirty water. Additionally, the women are educating mothers on proper nutrition for their children.
A nutrition supervisor working with UNICEF, Chanda Grace, narrated that the women who are grouped in 15 in different communities also learn about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and how to prepare nutritious complementary foods for older children.
Chanda explained the challenges faced by these women. "Initially, we faced a lot of challenges," she says. "Sometimes we faced many challenges like them stoning us, kicking us out of the community."
However, with perseverance and the support of community leaders, like the Bulama Mustapha, the women have overcome these obstacles. They have become trusted members of their communities, and their work is making a tangible difference.
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According to Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Nutrition Manager, Mrs Priscilla Bayo, the impact of the women's efforts is far-reaching. "They are not only saving lives but also empowering themselves and their communities. Their courage and determination are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As they continue their fight against malnutrition, they are inspiring others to join their cause and create a healthier future for their children"
Bayo who explained the programme's approach said: "We train mothers to identify and address malnutrition in their children using simple tools and techniques. By empowering mothers, we can reach more children and ensure they receive timely care."
One of the key tools in the program is the MUAC tape, a colour-coded measuring device that helps mothers assess their children's nutritional status. The mothers are trained to use the tape, which is easy to understand even for those who cannot read or write.
"We encourage mothers to form support groups to share experiences and learn from each other," says Bayo-Nicholas. "These groups have been instrumental in building community resilience and promoting healthy child development."
She said the programme's impact is evident in the increasing number of mothers who are self-referring their children for treatment.
According to Bayo, 40 per cent of admissions to nutrition facilities are now initiated by mothers who have identified malnutrition concerns using the MUAC tape.
UNICEF's community-based nutrition programme is a shining example of how empowering local communities can lead to significant improvements in child health. By training mothers and providing them with the tools and knowledge they need, UNICEF is helping to break the cycle of malnutrition and ensure a brighter future for children in northeast Nigeria.
