According to the World Health Organization, clinical malnutrition is responsible, directly or indirectly, for more than 30% of deaths of children under five years old worldwide. In Haiti more specifically, 1 in 5 children are currently malnourished. Children suffering from malnutrition in early childhood will have lifelong consequences such as stunting and reduced mental development. Because of their weakened immune system, children are also much more at risk to develop other life-threatening pathologies, contributing to childhood mortality rates.

C2C began providing malnutrition treatment at our clinics one year ago with the support of our partner organization, Meds & Food for Kids (MFK), who produces and distributes Medika Mamba, a peanut-based therapeutic food considered the gold standard for treating malnutrition by the World Health Organization.

Once a week, children are screened at C2C clinic sites and malnourished children are enrolled in a 12-week treatment program. In its first year, we screened over 750 children and enrolled over 250 kids into comprehensive treatment.

With support from the Ministry of Public Health, C2C will extend the program for another year to continue to offer our malnutrition services to the families who need it most.

Malnutrition Success Story:

Andianie (9 months)

                                            Before enrollment: 5.6 lbs        After enrollment: 10.6 lbs

Andianie spent 12 weeks in the program and consistently put on weight. At the end of the program, she gained 5 whole pounds and grew 2.6 inches. She had become more active and playful as the weeks went by. Andianie’s mother was extremely happy with her progress and was ready to apply the health and hygiene knowledge she learned from the C2C staff.