Proof that donations save lives in Horn of Africa
Layla Mohamed, 24, fled conflict in Mogadishu, Somalia, with her husband and five children, and found herself in a camp for people displaced by drought and violence. At the same time, she also found herself fighting to save her one-year-old daughter Zam Zam’s life.
Displaced and Severely Malnourished
World Vision staff discovered Zam Zam and her family amidst thousands in the camp on the outskirts of Somalia. They could tell immediately that Zam Zam’s condition was severe and a measurement of her upper arm circumference confirmed that she was severely malnourished.
The World Vision workers gave Layla Plumpy'nut—a peanut-based protein-enriched paste—to feed her baby and urged Layla to take Zam Zam to the camp centre for malnourished children immediately.
On the Way to Recovery
Approximately three months later beautiful, bright-eyed Zam Zam has gained weight. Layla continues to give Zam Zam packages of Plumpy'nut each morning and evening. She says that her daughter is still too weak to stand, but she has more energy, a positive and hopeful sign of recovery.
Many more children like Zam Zam still need help
“This picture demonstrates the fact that donations towards the Horn of Africa appeal have made a real difference and are saving the lives of children.” said Helen Keogh, CEO of World Vision Ireland. “Although this is a positive story, the situation in the Horn of Africa still calls for immediate drastic action. Figures from the UN show four million people are in crisis in Somalia alone, with 750,000 at risk of death in the next four months in the absence of adequate response. Half of those who have already died are children. We must make sure that the world does not forget this crisis just because it is no longer headline news”
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