Bhumika receiving treatment in India supported by Action Against Hunger

A strong start for Bhumika

After visiting one of our malnutrition treatment centres in Baran, northern India, three-year-old Bhumika now has the chance to go on to live a full, happy and productive life.

For parents everywhere, feeding your child is a priority, especially in the first few weeks and months of their lives. For many parents in Baran, in Rajasthan state in the north of India, access to good nutritious food, and medical advice during pregnancy, is limited. This can hinder the early development of their children.

During one of his routine screenings, Balram, an Action Against Hunger community health worker, met three-year-old Bhumika. Her mother Sunita was very worried about her failing health.

Bhumika receiving treatment for malnutrition in India

“She used to have frequent bouts of diarrhoea and vomited, and would also become dehydrated,” explains Sunita. “That was how she became malnourished.”

After an examination, Balram immediately referred Bhumika for intensive treatment for severe malnutrition.

Bhumika was admitted to our treatment centre. A doctor would check on her on a daily basis and prescribe medicines. She was also extremely happy, as there were plenty of toys available for her to play with.

Sunita also attended counselling sessions on nutritious food and healthy feeding practices, while Bhumika was receiving her treatment.

Returning home

After gaining an incredible 500 grams in weight, Bhumika was discharged from the centre after only 16 days.

Bhumika returning home after receiving treatment in a an Action Against Hunger treatment centre in India

We provided Sunita with a food basket full of ingredients such as pulses and rice that would improve her family’s diet. Our community health workers then gave Sunita a small cooking demonstration to show her how to make the most of her food basket.

An Action Against Hunger community mobiliser and a public health worker monitored Bhumika’s health for six weeks through home visits. Steadily she started to gain even more weight.

“Before Bhumika would be inactive, but now she is more cheerful and playful. Her milk and food intake has increased. Her weight has improved, and she is much better now.”

Balram, Community health worker, India.

“Before she wouldn’t have milk but now she does. She also eats rotis and vegetables now,” says Sunita. “I also make sure we both wash our hands before eating.

Going from strength to strength

Balram and his team are closely monitoring Bhumika’s progress. After she left the treatment centre, they visited her twice a month and Sunita continued with her counselling and information sessions.

Bhumika safely back at home with her mother, Sunita feeding her the right food to keep her healthy

Sunita knows how to stop Bhumika relapsing. Now, if Bhumika has flu, diarrhoea or even a cough, Sunita knows that she should take her straight to the hospital.

“I take Bhumika to the treatment centre every two weeks for a check-up and get her weight checked every week,” says Sunita.

“Before she was weak but she is much better now.”

Parents like Sunita, want to give their child the strongest start to life. Action Against Hunger is leading the global fight against hunger. We save children’s lives and help communities to become free from hunger.

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