Helping Mothers and Infants Counter Malnutrition in Nigeria
As a young, first-time mother, Fatima had little to no experience with breastfeeding her baby, Hauwa. The process was new and sometimes uncomfortable. Worried that Hauwa might not be getting enough to eat, Fatima supplemented the baby’s diet with other foods without knowing it could be unhealthy for Hauwa.
In Nigeria, where Fatima lives, Catholic Relief Services runs a project that supports new mothers—the Management of Nutritionally At-Risk Mothers and Infants, or MAMI project. CRS staff members who work as community nutrition mobilizers make door-to-door visits, offering screening for infants and their caregivers. It was during one of these visits that Fatima received much-needed help.
Fatima, who participated in a 14-week mother and infant nutrition project, holds her daughter, Hauwa.
Photo by Dorathy Okaba/CRS
The MAMI project focuses on providing support through counseling and referrals to health facilities, with the integration of fresh food assistance delivered via an innovative electronic-voucher system to improve nutrition. Criteria for selection into the MAMI project include low birth weight, twins, underage mothers, premature infants, and malnourished mothers facing breastfeeding challenges.
Recognizing the urgency of Fatima’s situation, the MAMI team referred her to a stabilization center at the local hospital, where Hauwa received treatment for infection, malaria and severe acute malnutrition. At the same time, Fatima was treated for malaria and breastfeeding difficulties. The health care staff, trained by CRS on the MAMI approach, were equipped to address these medical issues and provide nutrition counseling to Fatima.
Fatima received regular counseling on maternal, infant and young child nutrition, empowering her with the knowledge and skills to properly care for her child. The fresh food assistance, delivered through the electronic-voucher system, ensured that Fatima and her family had access to a diverse and nutritious diet, further enhancing their well-being.
"The counseling I received made me understand the dangers of mixed feeding and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding," Fatima says. "Ever since I started giving Hauwa only breastmilk, I've seen a remarkable improvement in her growth and development."
The impact of the MAMI project extended beyond Fatima and Hauwa, rippling through the community and the healthcare system. Prior to the project's implementation, caregivers in the community, especially those with infants under six months, faced challenges in accessing healthcare services. This contributed to the high rates of malnutrition and other underlying health issues among young children. The MAMI project strengthened the linkage between the community and the local health facilities through case referrals and follow-up. Healthcare workers were trained on the MAMI approach, enabling them to provide comprehensive care for infants under six months, including those with medical complications.
"Before the MAMI project, we only received referrals for severely malnourished children," says Yakaka Ali Wasaram, a health care worker at the Benisheikh General Hospital. "But now, we are able to provide support and care for a wider range of cases, thanks to the knowledge and skills we gained through the CRS training."
Empowered by her experience, Fatima now shares her knowledge with other caregivers, counseling them on how to care for their infants appropriately.
"I will always advocate for exclusive breastfeeding to other women around me because I have seen and felt the impact it has had on my life and my child's life,” Fatima says.
Catholic Relief Services and its partner, the Justice Development and Peace Commission, implemented a six-month pilot program focused on the Management of Small and Nutritionally At-Risk Infants Under 6 Months, or MAMI, in Benisheik ward of Kaga local government area in Borno State. The intervention aimed to assist 50 small and nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months and their mothers. The MAMI project employs an integrated care pathway approach to address clinical issues, growth faltering, infant feeding challenges, and maternal health and well-being across various levels of the health system. This approach connects mothers and infants to relevant health facilities, ensuring their survival, optimal growth and development.