Monday, 18 July, 2022
| Iman Hassan Saleh Al-Jamili works as a volunteer with YFCA in the nutrition sector, particularly at the preventive nutrition distribution point of Al-Ma’teeb village, Taiz governorate. During her monitoring visits to the targeted locations for the health screening for children under 5 years old and malnourished mothers, the child Mariam Mohammed Ali was found. Maryam who is 9 months old, had severe diarrhea and fever. Moreover, after taking her physical measurements, it was realized that the child's mid-arm measures 12cm, which indicates Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Mariam was referred to the Sharman Health Facility. Unfortunately, the child's father, Mohammed Ali, neglected his daughter’s case since he works days and nights to afford the basic needs of his family. Iman used to intensify her monitoring field visits, therefore she was aware of most of the cases in the health center. Hence, Iman searched for Mariam’s case and she did not find any further progress or update. Thus, she decided to visit Mohammed’s - Mariam’s father- house. “I would never know that somebody is in a high need and keep watching without stepping in,” Iman said. She visited Mohammed’s house, met Mariam’s mother and illuminated her about the importance of breastfeeding and nutritional supplementary, as well as raising the mother’s awareness of personal hygiene and ensuring food security. The Mother was so happy with being illuminated and promised Iman to adhere to her advice. Three weeks later, Mariam’s mother reached the health center to take the MUAQ measurement for her daughter, which reached 12.5 cm. Besides, to strengthen Mariam’s health condition, the volunteer Iman included her in the preventive feeding program.“I took Iman’s advice seriously and focused on my daughter’s food security and hygiene. Within one week Mariam recovered from the fever and diarrhea and after three weeks she was no longer diagnosed with MAM,” The mother stated gratefully. |
