Chad: Helping two-year-old Billa survive severe acute malnutrition
Two-year-old Billa was dangerously malnourished when she was brought to the Guinebor 2 Hospital (G2). She weighed less than 6kg – the average two-year-old in the UK weighs 11kg.
She also had widespread oedema (swelling) and skin lesions, signs of severe acute malnutrition.
After two weeks in the hospital receiving therapeutic milk and other treatments, the swelling cleared up, the skin lesions started to heal, and she was gaining weight.
Billa’s mother, Mariam, said, “She was seriously ill, but now she is doing so much better – thank you! May God help you to continue to do this and more for your patients!”
The team will continue to follow up with them until Billa is a healthy weight.
Give the priceless gift of life to twice as many children like Billa
Billa’s life was saved at G2, but not all children are so fortunate. One in ten children will not live to see their fifth birthday in Chad. Child malnutrition is one of the leading causes.
The child malnutrition programme at G2 is completely funded by MAI supporters.
Will you give to save the lives of dangerously malnourished children like Billa?
The great news is that, as part of our Twice Gold appeal, every £1 you give in October will become £2, thanks to our generous appeal patrons.
- £25 could provide a child like Billa with a four-week supply of life-saving therapeutic food (doubled to help two children)
- £100 could provide a nutritionist’s salary for two weeks (doubled to four weeks)
You can read more about our Twice Gold appeal here, or read the online version of our booklet.
