This Christmas, make sure food is coming for babies like Basam

In the 15 countries most affected by hunger, there are 24.5 million infants suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Babies and infants suffering from severe acute malnutrition are among the most vulnerable victims of the global hunger crisis - they are 11 times more likely to die than a well-nourished baby, and are more susceptible to illness and disease.

Parents do everything they can to provide food and treatment for their children, but in conflict zones and camps for internally displaced people, money, nutritious food and access to health facilities can be hard to come by. 

In places like Yemen, Chad and Somalia, Concern’s health and nutrition programmes are making a difference. Our teams are on the ground delivering medical care and life-saving ready-to-use emergency therapeutic food to malnourished children. A high calorie packet made from peanuts, milk powder, sugar, oil, vitamins and minerals, emergency therapeutic food needs no cooking or refrigeration, and it has all the nutrients a malnourished child needs to regain their strength and recover at home with their family. 

This Christmas, your generosity can ensure that food is coming for malnourished children - children like little Basam*. 

Basam is just 10 months old. He lives in a camp in Lahj Governorate in Yemen with his parents and siblings; they were displaced by conflict. His mother Haj* explains: “There were bombings on everything, and we escaped. Our homes are damaged, and we have lost all our livestock. We are now displaced and living a difficult life. This life and camp are not our choice.”

While Basam’s father searches for work every day, it is not guaranteed, and neither is food. The family usually only eat one meal a day, and Haj is forced to make a promise of food that might never come. She said: “We try to feed them with whatever is available, like giving them dry bread to dip into water and eat. Sometimes they shout and cry; they do not play when they are hungry. We sometimes tell them that food is coming, so they go to sleep and forget.”

Since birth, Basam was lethargic, and Haj grew worried as he suffered from fevers, anaemia and shortness of breath. Unable to afford to bring him to hospital in the city, Haj took her son to the Concern-supported health clinic in the camp. Here, he was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.

Thankfully, following a course of antibiotics, the staff were able to supply Basam with emergency therapeutic food. Haj could take this nutrient-dense food home, and watched as her son gained weight and strength. The health workers have also been checking up on his progress with screenings, and teaching Haj about best hygiene and breastfeeding practice.

Your donation can help children like Basam recover from severe acute malnutrition, and smile and play once more. 

*Names have been changed