FROM MALNUTRITION TO A HEALTHY SMILE

FROM MALNUTRITION TO A HEALTHY SMILE

Through Njira Imapct’s support, mothers like her are ensuring children grow healthy and strong.

In the heart of TA Mbawela, GVH Mbawela, Phodogoma Village in Thyolo District, lives Regina Mabokho, a 26-month-old child who once faced the harsh reality of malnutrition. During a mass screening led by Njira Impact, Regina was diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), showing a MUAC of 12.3cm and weighing only 8.9kg. Her mother, Joyce Mabokho, worried daily about her daughter’s health but lacked knowledge and resources to improve her condition.

Regina is one of over 1,000 children under five reached through Njira Impact’s Community Led Complementary Feeding and Learning Sessions (CCFLS), supported by the EU-ECHO project. The program targets children in remote, food-insecure households with limited access to nutrition and healthcare services.

Before the intervention, Regina’s meals mostly consisted of plain porridge and nsima without nutritional variety. Joyce shared, “We ate mostly porridge or nsima without vegetables or protein. I didn’t know how to properly feed a growing child.”

Through the 12-day CCFLS sessions, Joyce joined other caregivers to learn practical cooking demonstrations using local foods, improved child feeding practices, and how to recognize danger signs of malnutrition. Each session offered peer support and hands-on education to empower mothers.

By the end of the program, Regina’s health had transformed. Her weight had increased to 12kg, and her MUAC rose to above 12.5cm, moving her out of the malnutrition zone. Joyce now confidently applies what she learned at home.

“There is great hope that by following CCFLS practices, her weight will continue improving. The health of my child is promising,” Joyce said. “I am grateful to Njira Impact and the EU-ECHO project for bringing back my child’s smile.”

Over 1,000 children screened,300+ children enrolled in CCFLS, Life saving knowledge passed to caregivers and Sustainable change rooted in community leadership

With the right knowledge and local solutions, children like Regina are reclaiming their health—and their futures.

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