Inadequate feeding patterns are a major contributor to malnutrition in children, particularly during the first two years of life when they are most vulnerable to growth and development issues. Poor complementary feeding practices, delayed introduction of complementary foods and inadequate breastfeeding, along with infectious diseases, are key drivers of malnutrition. 

As we focus on tackling malnutrition in children in Lagos state and Nigeria at large, we are excited to share the success story of Samuel. 

Samuel is a year and 6-month-old child that was referred to us at The Lagos Food Bank NUMEPLAN Program from one of our partners PHC, He is the fourth child of four children of his mother, he was carried to term, mother usually fall sick during pregnancy and consume some herbal concoctions while pregnant, Child was exclusively breastfed and had already started feeding on complimentary meals. On enrollment at our NUMEPLAN program, Mother complained that the child is a picky eater, the child weighs 5.7 kg and Mid-upper circumference of 9.4 cm which is a pointer that he is severely malnourished. He presented signs such as febrile, irritability. With guidance from our Nutrition team at Lagos Food Bank, Samuel’s mum was educated on nutritional guidelines and feeding patterns and was also provided with some nutritious food items to feed the child.

After 3 months of care, Samuel’s health got better and was transformed, his weight increased significantly from 5.7kg to 8.0 kg and his Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MAUC) increased from 9.5cm to 12.7cm reflecting that his nutritional status improved.

Samuel has successfully been discharged from the NUMEPLAN program and he is being scheduled for follow-up visitations to monitor his progress and ensure continued health and wellbeing. Adequate nutrition is the key as we focus on tackling malnutrition.