
Loise's Recovery from Hunger and Illness in Zimbabwe
Fatima Zohra Merzouk
27 Oct 2023
Loise is a two-year-old girl who lives in a rural village in Zimbabwe. She was born into a country that has been facing multiple challenges, such as drought, economic crisis, inflation, and COVID-19. She has never known prosperity or stability in her short life.
Impact of Drought and Economic Crisis
Loise's family used to have a small plot of land where they grew maize, beans, and vegetables. They had enough food to eat and sell at the market. They had a hut with a roof and a floor. They had a community with a school and a clinic. They had a future with hopes and dreams.
But everything changed when the drought hit Zimbabwe in 2019. The drought was the worst in decades, affecting over 5 million people and destroying over 50% of the crops. The drought also caused water shortages, power cuts, and livestock deaths. The economic crisis made food prices skyrocket, making it unaffordable for many people.
Struggles and Resilience
Loise's family was among the millions who suffered from hunger and poverty due to the drought and the economic crisis. They lost their crops and their income. They had to sell their assets and borrow money to buy food. They had to walk long distances to fetch water and firewood. They had to live in a hut that leaked when it rained and collapsed when it stormed. They had no access to health care or education.
A Glimpse of Hope
Loise's mother, Nyasha, tried her best to feed her daughter with whatever food she could find or receive. But it was not enough to nourish her growing body and brain. Loise became weak, thin, and sickly. She lost her appetite, her energy, and her smile. She was constantly suffering from diarrhea, fever, cough, and skin infections.
Rescue and Recovery
Loise was one of the lucky ones who was rescued by a WFP-supported mobile health team that visited her village. The mobile health team consisted of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers who provided health care and nutrition support to remote and hard-to-reach communities. The mobile health team diagnosed Loise's condition and gave her immediate treatment.
The treatment worked miracles for Loise. She gained weight, strength, and health. She regained her appetite, her energy, and her smile. She recovered from malnutrition and pneumonia in just a few weeks.
A Bright Future with Ongoing Challenges
Loise is now a happy and healthy two-year-old girl who loves to play with her friends and siblings. She has a bright future ahead of her. But Loise is not out of danger yet. She still lives in a country that is facing food insecurity and humanitarian crisis. She still faces the risks of hunger, disease, and violence every day. She still needs continuous food assistance and medical care to survive and thrive.
WFP's Lifesaving Work and Call to Action
WFP is working hard to reach Loise and millions of other children like her in Zimbabwe and around the world who are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. WFP provides life-saving food assistance, nutrition support, school meals, cash transfers, vouchers, and other interventions to help them overcome hunger and build resilience. But WFP cannot do it alone. WFP relies on the generosity and solidarity of donors, partners, and supporters to fund its operations and activities. WFP needs more resources to continue its vital work in Zimbabwe and other crisis zones.
You can help Loise and other children like her by donating to WFP or spreading the word about their plight. Every dollar counts and every action matters. Together, we can save lives and change lives.
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