Crisent, a 2 year old boy from Karundi village survived death due to malnutrition after the intervention of community health workers. His mother became pregnant again, only two months after Crisent was born, subsequently interrupting her ability to breastfeed. As a result, at just over one year old, Crisent had become severely malnourished. Crisent was referred to the Ruhiira health centre – one of the health facilities run by Millennium Villages Project (MVP) – where he was enrolled into the therapeutic feeding and supplement program.
At the health facility, Crisent was closely monitored and cared for by health workers for approximately 6 months, after which time he was discharged and completed the rest of the feeding program at home with his parents. The community health worker in charge of Karundi village paid numerous visits to Crisent and his parents to check on his growth progress. GHC fellows also followed up with Crisent during an evaluation study at Karundi village to evaluate his growth progress.
The strengthened community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) and referral network run by MVP played an important role in saving the life of Crisent. As a result of MVP intervention and follow up by community health workers & GHC fellows, Crisent lives today. Crisent is only one of many children who suffer from malnutrition in the district and the country at large . Thanks to MVP & GHC work towards promoting health equity for all.