“A Mother’s Journey: Overcoming Fears and Finding Hope”
Mary Alfred, a resident of Biliri South in Gombe State, Nigeria, had always been cautious about her daughter Bernice’s health. When she first heard about the ANRiN project and its Micronutrient Powder (MNP) services, she was hesitant. “I’d heard so many scary stories about MNP,” Mary recalls. “People said it could make children sick, or cause them to lose blood.”
These unfounded rumors, coupled with cultural beliefs and spousal disapproval, often hinder the uptake of ANRiN services in Northern Nigeria. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of CHIPs agents who go door-to-door in every ward, awareness about the benefits of ANRiN is steadily increasing.
“I was worried, but I decided to trust the CHIPs agent,” Mary says. “She explained to me how MNP can help improve Bernice’s nutrition and development.” With a newfound sense of hope, Mary enrolled Bernice in the MNP program.
Over time, Mary noticed a positive change in her daughter. Bernice became more energetic, her appetite improved, and she started to grow stronger. “I’m so grateful for the ANRiN project,” Mary says. “It has given my daughter a chance at a healthier life.”
Bernice’s story is just one example of the impact that NHED’s interventions are having on children in Nigeria. By addressing misinformation and providing accessible healthcare services, NHED is helping to create a brighter future for countless families.
“Shehu’s Second Chance at Life: A Miracle at Shamaki Health Clinic”
Shehu Lukman, a three-year-old boy from Gombe State, was fighting for his life. Severely malnourished and barely clinging to existence, he was brought to the Shamaki Health Clinic in Gombe LGA. His mother, desperate for help, turned to the ANRiN project.
The dedicated health professionals at Shamaki Health Clinic wasted no time in providing Shehu with the care he needed. He was enrolled in the ANRiN program and received a combination of Micronutrient Powder (MNP), vitamin A, and albendazole, along with other treatments to stabilize his system. His mother was also given detailed instructions on how to administer these supplements.
As the weeks passed, Shehu’s condition began to improve dramatically. His weight increased by [insert specific weight gain], his energy levels soared, and his overall health significantly improved. “It was like a miracle,” his mother recalls. “I thought I was going to lose him, but the ANRiN services at Shamaki Health Clinic saved his life.”
Shehu is just one of many children who have benefited from the ANRiN Basic package of nutrition services at Shamaki Health Clinic. Thanks to the dedication of the health professionals and the support of the ANRiN project, countless lives have been transformed.
The fight against malnutrition is a relentless battle that has been waged for decades. Countless interventions, implemented through various structures and strategies, have been deployed to communities across the globe. Unfortunately, many of these efforts have been short-lived, leaving children without the sustained support necessary for lasting health improvements. NHED’s ANRiN project, however, has taken a different approach. By emphasizing a continuum of care, ANRiN ensures that children receive the optimal dosage of essential nutrients, including Vitamin A, MNP, Zinc/ORS, and Albendazole, over an extended period. This sustained support is crucial for achieving lasting recovery and stability.
