From the Brink: Rashaei’s Journey of Recovery Against All Odds

On assessment, using the Family MUAC tape, Patrick established that Rashaei had medium acute malnutrition.  

“Acute malnutrition is prevalent in pastoralist communities in northern Kenya due to several factors including poor cultural practices, lack of food diversification, drought and inadequate education on nutrition.” notes Patrick. 

Patrick offered his motorcycle, the one he uses for community visits to take Rashaei and his mom to an ongoing outreach clinic at the nearby Lenguruma school for a comprehensive health assessment and to begin his treatment for acute malnutrition.  On arrival at the outreach center, his weight, height and MUAC measurements were taken before he was referred to a nurse for a comprehensive assessment. The outreach clinic is supported by Action Against Hunger.  

According to Winnie Makena, a nutrition volunteer with Action Against Hunger, outreach clinics provide crucial nutrition and health services to vulnerable and remote communities.  These clinics are part of a broader effort by Action Against Hunger to increase access to healthcare, particularly for mothers and young children, enabling early identification and treatment of malnutrition. 

“Once we receive a suspected case of malnutrition at the outreach center, the child goes through a triaging process where their height, weight and MUAC measurements are taken to determine their Z-score. The Z score is used to determine the stage of Malnutrition, whether moderate of severe. After this, we also check for other common diseases in the area like Malaria.”  notes Makena, who was present when Rashaei was brought at the Outreach clinic. 

Rashaei was confirmed to be having Moderate Acute Malnutrition and was immediately enrolled into the treatment program. He was given Vitamin A supplements, dewormers and Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). The nurse, together with Patrick, had a brief session with Rashaei’s mother on the importance of RUTF and ensuring that the supplement is taken as instructed.  

According to Makena, for Rashaei will be enrolled into the recovery program that lasts for 6 weeks. The community health worker will undertake weekly visits to his home to monitor progress and also train his mother on food selection and best nutrition practices. Rashaei is expected to visit the outreach clinic every two weeks for medical checkup.  

There was a sense of great relief and optimism for Rashaei’s mother, knowing that her son is on a path of recovery. “Am glad he has been checked and the nurse has assured me that he will be better.” She said as she fed RUTF to Rashaei at the outreach clinic. 

For the six weeks, Rashaei had his RUTF as directed and had his checkup every week as scheduled. His mother was enrolled into the village mother to mother support group where they undertake peer learning and share experiences on how best to take care of their children. 

According to Patrick, they have established mother-to-mother support groups in every village. These groups educate mothers on nutrition, and specifically which locally available foods offer the most nutritional value and the best practices for improving their families’ health. 

Today Rashaei is back to his normal self, happy and pulling his mother’s Neck Collar Ornament at any opportunity he gets. He has just been given a clean bill of health and discharged from the program.  

“I can’t explain the feeling of seeing my son happy and jovial. Am forever grateful to Action Against Hunger.  I have learnt a lot on how to take care of my family on matters health and nutrition.” Rashaei’s mother, Nolntulan, said after Rashaei had done his final check up and discharged from the program.  

Gerald Mwangi, field coordinator for the region, notes that Action Against Hunger is focused on screening all children in the region for malnutrition, treating all identified cases and educating mothers on best nutrition and health practices. 

“Through our outreach clinics and working with community health workers, we want to ensure all children under 5 years are screened and treated for malnutrition. We have several remote villages we have not yet reached, but hopefully we can do that this year.” he stated. 

Though Gerald is optimistic, this might not be the case as in remote areas of Northern Kenya like in Lenguruma village, Action Against Hunger remains the only organization in the fight against hunger as other organizations have withdrawn due to cuts in USAID funding cuts. Continued support from you and your networks ensures we are able to continue providing lifesaving assistance to underserved children like Rashaei.