David is a ten-year-old boy from Ethiopia, a country that faces recurrent droughts, floods, locust invasions, and conflicts that threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions of people. He lives in a drought-prone area that faces frequent food shortages and crop failures. He often goes to bed hungry and thirsty.

Suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)
David suffers from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), a condition that occurs when a child's weight is too low for their height due to an extreme lack of food or illness. SAM can cause wasting, edema, organ failure, and death if left untreated. SAM affects over 16 million children under five worldwide.

Treatment and Recovery
David was admitted to a health center, where he received ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) from WFP. RUTF is a peanut-based paste that contains all the essential vitamins, minerals, and calories that a malnourished child needs to recover. David also received supplementary food for his family, as well as seeds and tools to plant crops for the next season.

After a few weeks of treatment, David started to show signs of improvement. He gained weight and height, his skin healed, his muscles grew, and his eyes sparkled. He also regained his appetite, his energy, and his smile. He began to read books and draw pictures at the health center. He was no longer in danger of dying from hunger.

A Story of Hope and Resilience
David's story is one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It shows how WFP's food assistance can make a difference in the lives of children who suffer from hunger and malnutrition. It also shows how WFP's work is not only about saving lives but also about restoring dignity and happiness to those who have lost everything.