GSF receives $1000 gift to boost malnutrition program
We are happy to announce a $1000 donation our program fighting malnutrition on Ile a Vache! The gift comes from Sequoia Sun and friends, frequent visitors to Ile A Vache by boat. The gift was made through Move To Matter and Sail Aid International. This gift was made in response to the immediate needs on the island, to to help feed people who need help getting food now.
Our current program for mothers-to-be and mothers and babies is structured as a group that has been running for 3 years. Older, more experienced mothers are not included unless a child is sickly or other issues arise. The group meets weekly with Adeline Charles, a qualified nurse (she trained at Notre Dame de Cayes, 4 year degree). The moms get a 15 minute lecture or video or reading on a health topic, a discussion or question session, a chance to socialize and each receives a meal, or the equivalent in eggs and our other produce to take home. We track the weights and general health of the children. This along with our other programs at the school and micro-credit have enabled us to reduce malnutrition to zero throughout 2017, 18, 19, in and around our area of La Hatte/Trou Milieu and Soulette plus minor outlying villages.
However, for the first time in the pandemic we have observed an rapid increase in malnutrition - in the area we have 20 babies/toddlers with low weight and subpar PB (perimeter brachial, or around the upper arm - the best measurement of health nutritionally in small children in a non-clinical setting). We therefore decided last week to expand our program by feeding the sickly children - the most severe we are paying for a doctor's visit plus supplying Plumpynut (peanut-based individual nutrition) plus eggs and food for mother if breastfeeding etc. They will be directly observed and tracked twice weekly. Less severe cases will also be sent to the clinic, given eggs and other foodstuffs such as the breadfruit flour we obtain in bulk from Jeremie, weekly. Mild cases or healthy children in the group will continue to receive eggs, vegetables and nutrition advice. We estimate the program will cost $1500 for 2 months including the nurse, usually we budget only $150 /month.
This makes the generous $1000 donation invaluable, and in effect directly saves the lives and health potential of at least 20 children. With another $1000 we expect we could add a similar number of children to the treatment program from outlying areas such as Kaykok, we have already become aware that mothers from there are trying to attend the group meetings even if they must pay a motorbike taxi, as the need is great. Normally we cannot stretch that far but given the circumstances we are prepared to try!
We will continue to supply our fresh eggs and when possible, chicken meat, fruit, vegetables, and expand to vitamin syrup and breadfruit flour. We thank all our donors and supporters for their assistance in helping GSF assist the people of Ile A Vache during this difficult time globally.
