The Miracle of Recovery in the Chiconjo Community 

It is in this context that little Milagre lives, an 8‑month‑old infant in a vulnerable household of 12 people, including four children under the age of 5, cared for by single mothers. Milagre’s mother suffers from severe mental disorders and speech difficulties, which prevented breastfeeding. With no resources, the family fed the baby infant formula only during the first two weeks of life. Early on, Milagre began receiving the family’s regular food, which led to frequent illness and the complete loss of her vitality.  

The Intervention: Early Identification Through the Mobile Brigade 

Since 2021, one of key Action contre la Faim health activity is the support of Mobile Brigade with Ministry of Health professionals. This Mobile Brigade is providing primary healthcare services in remote, isolated, hard to reach areas, increasing people’s access to basic health. 

During a visit by an Integrated Mobile Brigade, carried out by the District Health Service with the support of Action Contre la Faim, the health team identified Milagre through Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening. The baby showed visible signs of severe wasting, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.  

The diagnosis was immediate: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) with medical complications. Given the seriousness of her condition, the Mobile Brigade team ensured Milagre’s urgent transfer for hospitalization at the Guijá Health Center.  

Clinical Treatment and Progress 

Upon admission to the pediatric ward, clinical data confirmed the patient’s critical condition: 

• Weight: 4.3 kg 

• Height: 62 cm 

• MUAC: 10.5 cm 

• Head Circumference: 42.5 cm 

The medical team promptly initiated the clinical protocol with therapeutic milk F‑75 (70 ml every 3 hours) and antibiotic therapy (ampicillin and gentamicin). After 8 days of intensive care, medical complications were reversed, and Milagre was discharged to the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP/PRN) for continued nutritional rehabilitation.  

Through Action contre la Faim’s “Integrated Life-Saving Emergency Assistance for Conflict and Flood-Affected Populations in Mozambique” project, which is supported by the Mozambique Humanitarian Fund (ESAHF), she received: 

At the same time, her grandmother received continuous nutrition counseling sessions focused on appropriate infant feeding, hygiene practices, and home-based health care.  

Impact: A New Life 

The response to treatment exceeded expectations. During a follow-up consultation at the Guijá Health Center, results showed extraordinary recovery in a short time: 

• Weight: 5.4 kg (gain of 1.1 kg) 

• MUAC: 12.0 cm (increase from 10.5 cm) 

• General Condition: Active, responsive, and in good physical condition 

“I thought I might lose my granddaughter because she was very weak. Thanks to the mobile brigade, we received help in time and today she is improving greatly,” said Milagre’s grandmother.  

Action contre la Faim intervention started after floods that affected more than 100 health facilities in Gaza, interrupting basic healthcare provision.  

The intervention of integrated mobile brigades continues to play a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of malnutrition in hard-to-reach communities, helping save lives and improve children’s well-being.