08-08-2024 | di COOPI

DRC: A Journey to healing for children in Ituri

The Ituri district in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by over twenty years of armed conflict. In a context marked by severe economic and social challenges, where poverty and food insecurity constantly endanger the lives of many children, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale works to reduce morbidity and mortality among children under five suffering from acute malnutrition. Through the project "Support for the Prevention and Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in the Health Zones of Nizi, Tchomia, Biringi, and Laybo in the Ituri Territory," launched in May 2023 and funded by UNICEF, COOPI has already helped children like Romaine and Zola's son recover from severe malnutrition.

Zola, a mother of six, faced one of the most challenging moments of her life during her last pregnancy. Despite regular prenatal check-ups at the Biringi Health Center, she gave birth to a baby with a significantly low birth weight of just 1530 grams. Shortly after birth, the newborn showed signs of respiratory distress, a critical situation that required immediate intervention.

The health staff, trained and supported by COOPI in the Management of At-risk Mothers and Infants (MAMI) approach, transferred the newborn to the Intensive Nutritional Therapy Unit at Biringi Hospital. Over 16 days of intensive treatment, the baby received specialized nutritional care, while Zola was assisted in stimulating breast milk production, essential for her child's recovery. By the end of the treatment, the baby had reached a weight of 2540 grams, and Zola was able to return to the Biringi Health Center for ongoing outpatient follow-up. Grateful for the support she received, Zola expressed her joy, stating that her child is now in good health, thanks to the MAMI approach implemented by COOPI.

Romaine’s story, a 38-month-old girl, also highlights the success of the intervention. Abandoned by her mother and placed in the care of her paternal aunt, the little girl lived in extreme poverty in the village of Baimani. When Romaine began showing signs of severe malnutrition, her aunt, despite her limited resources, sought help at the Baimani Health Center.

The diagnosis was immediate: severe acute malnutrition with medical complications. Given the severity of the case, the health staff, with support from the COOPI team, decided to transfer Romaine to Nizi Hospital for intensive treatment, organizing and funding the transportation for the girl and her aunt to ensure they received the necessary care.

After just six days of treatment, Romaine’s condition improved significantly. The medical complications were resolved, and the girl was able to continue her recovery at the Baimani Health Center. The family, deeply grateful, expressed their appreciation for the support provided by COOPI, which made it possible for children in insecure conditions to receive free medical care.

COOPI has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo for over forty years and in the Ituri province for more than 20, with a strong focus on the prevention, care, and nutritional support of thousands of malnourished mothers and children, alongside promoting hygiene practices and agricultural strategies to address food emergencies.