Rwanda, Burundi - A story about nutrition

IFRC
12 May 201508:04

Summary

TLDRIn this heartfelt narrative, a mother from Rwanda recounts her family's struggle with malnutrition. Initially unaware, she witnesses her children's health deteriorate, prompting a visit to the Health Center. There, she learns about the importance of balanced nutrition and the dangers of malnutrition. With guidance, she adopts dietary changes, including a kitchen garden, to ensure her family's health. The story highlights the transformative impact of knowledge and community support on health and well-being.

Takeaways

  • 👨‍👧‍👦 A mother from Rwanda and Burundi shares her family's struggle with malnutrition and the steps they took to overcome it.
  • 🌱 The family's diet, consisting of sweet potatoes, bananas, and cassava, was not providing the necessary nutrients for the children's health.
  • 🏥 The village chief advised the family to seek medical help at the Health Center instead of relying on a traditional healer.
  • 📏 At the Health Center, the mother learned about the severity of malnutrition through a color-coded tape measurement, indicating severe malnutrition in her daughter.
  • 🍎 Malnutrition affects the body's ability to function properly and can be life-threatening if not addressed with the right medical treatment and diet.
  • 🚫 The health worker explained that malnutrition is not just about the quantity of food but also the quality and variety needed for a balanced diet.
  • 👶 Malnutrition can have long-term effects on children under 2 years old, potentially causing permanent damage.
  • 💉 Malnourished children are more susceptible to diseases and take longer to recover, increasing the risk of death from common illnesses.
  • 🥦 The mother learned about the importance of including proteins, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables in every meal to ensure a balanced diet.
  • 🌾 The family started a kitchen garden to grow a variety of vegetables, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce for their meals.
  • 📈 The changes in diet and lifestyle led to significant improvements in the children's health, energy levels, and academic performance.
  • 🌟 The mother's story serves as an inspiration and a guide for others to recognize the signs of malnutrition and take action to improve their family's health.

Q & A

  • What was the initial concern of the mother in the script?

    -The mother was concerned about her children's health as they were getting progressively sicker, with symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and hair loss.

  • How did the daughter, Kanyanga, change over a few months?

    -Kanyanga stopped playing with friends, became very tired, her abdomen swelled, her limbs became thin, her hair turned yellow-red and fell out, and she lost interest in food.

  • What happened to the son, Kagabo, in terms of his school performance and health?

    -Kagabo's grades dropped, and he was reported to be falling asleep in class. He also experienced changes similar to his sister, such as being tired and having a swollen abdomen.

  • What advice did the Village Chief initially give the family regarding their children's health?

    -The Village Chief advised the family to go to the Health Center instead of consulting a traditional healer, suggesting the issue might be related to the food they were eating.

  • What was the health worker's diagnosis for Kanyanga's condition?

    -The health worker diagnosed Kanyanga with severe malnutrition, indicated by the red color on the arm measurement tape.

  • What is the significance of the three colors on the health worker's tape measure?

    -The colors red, yellow, and green represent the severity of malnutrition: red for severe, yellow for moderate, and green for a healthy condition.

  • What did the health worker explain about malnutrition and its effects on children?

    -The health worker explained that malnutrition is caused by not eating enough or not having a variety of foods. It can affect growth, school performance, and make children more susceptible to diseases, with potential permanent effects if under 2 years old.

  • What changes did the family make to combat malnutrition after visiting the Health Center?

    -The family started eating a balanced diet including proteins, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables. They also planted a kitchen garden to ensure a consistent supply of diverse foods.

  • How did the family's approach to food change after learning about malnutrition?

    -They divided foods into three families: proteins for growth, carbohydrates for energy, and fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. They made sure every meal included something from each category.

  • What was the impact of these changes on the family after two months?

    -The family saw significant improvements in their health and well-being. Kanyanga's health returned to normal, and Kagabo became the top student in his class again.

  • What did the mother hope to achieve by sharing her story?

    -The mother hoped that her story would help others understand the importance of a balanced diet and the prevention of malnutrition to ensure children grow up healthy and strong.

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Transcripts

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Ähnliche Tags
MalnutritionMother's StoryRwandaBurundiHealth CenterChild HealthNutrition EducationFamily CareFood VarietyCommunity ImpactGardening
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