Nurse me: let's defeat child malnutrition in Benin

Dear friends,

Child malnutrition remains one of the main health emergencies in Benin, with serious consequences on children's growth and development. According to latest data, about 32% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, leading to stunted growth and developmental problems. In addition, 5% of children are affected by severe acute malnutrition, a condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The infant mortality rate remains high, with 106 deaths per 1,000 live births, often linked to malnutrition and infections. In many rural areas, access to nutritious and balanced food is limited, exacerbating the situation.

To address this emergency, the Nurse me project continues its commitment to the prevention and treatment of malnutrition, through screening activities, distribution of protein foods and training mothers on proper nutrition practices.

In November, the Director of Aleimar,  accompanied by a group of volunteers, participated in a monitoring trip to assess the project’s progress. During the mission, they visited the L'Abbraccio Neonatal Hospital in Sokponta, with which we have been collaborating for years, and took part in a screening day in the village of Kpossegan. On this day, many children underwent weight and height measurements, identifying the most serious cases to be referred to the hospital for specific care.

Monitoring activities confirmed hat malnutrition remains an urgent challenge , requiring us to strengthen our intervention to support more vulnerable children. Precisely for this reason, in April, the Director and a new group of volunteers will return to Benin to distribute powdered milk and protein foods to the reception centers of Natittingou, Perma and Casa Moringa in Tanguietà.

Powdered milk is an essential food for younger children, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. The cost of a single can is4,300 CFA (about $6.80), and each child needs 80 cans for year, for a total cost of 344,000 CFA (about $544).

We call on your generosity to help us ensure milk and essential food for these children. Your contribution can make the difference between life and malnutrition for many children who live in conditions of extreme difficulty.

Together we can transform hope into nourishment and solidarity into life.

Thank you!