The safe home is a frenzy of bustling activity these
days! We are currently caring for
six active and inquisitive toddlers, as well as a few quiescent infants that
pass their time observing and smiling at the whirl of motion surrounding
them. It’s not surprising that,
although we serve children age birth through 5-years, most of our clients are
under the age of 3. Malnutrition
is most likely to impact the 12 to 36 month age group. This period of vulnerability is partly linked
to the transition from exclusive breast or formula feeding to complimentary
feeding. Complimentary feeding begins
at age 6 months, the age when breast milk or formula alone fails to meet the
nutritional demands of the growing infant. For healthy growth and development, complimentary foods need
to be appropriate, accessible, affordable and adequate. For many families in Lesotho, this
seemingly simple recipe for growth and development is unattainable.
Malnutrition that is not corrected in a timely manner leads
to stunting (decreased height) and impacts all aspects of child development; in
acute cases it can lead to death.
In fact, malnutrition is the underlying cause of death for approximately
50% of children under the age of five; their nutritionally stressed bodies and
immune system are unable to cope with the added burden of illness.
Very recently, TTL was awarded a partnership grant from
UNICEF to strengthen our nutrition and child development activities. We are thrilled by this opportunity! This project will enable us to tackle
malnutrition, and its sequelae, in a more holistic manner. We will be able to provide more
individualized developmental and nutritional knowledge to the caregivers of the children supported by
both the safe home and the outreach program.
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| Khotso, Arabang and Liebo are all recovering from acute malnutrition. When Arabang arrived to the safe home 6 months ago he was significantly behind on his developmental milestones and unable to roll over or crawl. Now, thanks to the support of the TTL safe home caregivers, he is rolling around, crawling and standing with support! |
Everyday, we witness the amazing resiliency of infants and children as they flourish when provided with adequate nutrition. We watch children who have fallen behind on their developmental milestones surge forward as their strength and energy are renewed.
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| Relebohile and Tsepiso are best friends! Relebohile is recovering from acute malnutrition while Tsepiso is recovering from micronutrient malnutrition. Both are catching up on their milestones: Relebohile is now actively crawling and Tsepiso pulls herself up to standing and walks with help! |
