How Your Last Hour of Pay Can Make a Difference: The Story of Marie and Her Family
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a mother's dedication to her child's health is a testament to the power of support and access to essential healthcare. Marie, a 28-year-old mother of three, faced a challenging journey when her youngest baby fell ill.
Marie's family had to flee their home village due to war, walking for miles to find safety. When they arrived in Buguri, Marie's daughter, Celéstin, started showing signs of malaria, a potentially fatal disease. Adding to her worries, Marie was also informed that Celéstin was suffering from malnutrition.
The Bugiri health centre, supported by Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) through the EAST programme, provided free care and nutritional support. Marie attended cooking workshops, learning about nutrition and child care. She realized that a lack of vitamins and proper hygiene had contributed to her daughter's illness.
The centre's Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) was a game-changer. This simple sachet, Plumpy'nut, contains essential nutrients, protein, and vitamins, requiring no cooking or special conditions. It has an impressive survival rate of 90% for malnourished children.
Marie's anxiety turned to relief as Celéstin recovered. The EAST programme, led by Concern, aims to improve household nutrition and train community health volunteers. It provides essential medicines and nutritional inputs to health centres, ensuring children like Celéstin receive the necessary support.
Your support is vital to funding such programmes, enabling more children to thrive. By contributing, you can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable families, like Marie's, ensuring they have access to the care they need.
