European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
Africa: the EU and CONCERN fight against child malnutrition together
Children under the age of 5 are very vulnerable: They are susceptible to diseases and malnutrition, and their parents need to be able to access primary health care for them.
In 2020, the EU and the Irish NGO Concern teamed up in a 3-year programme to provide a comprehensive assistance package to children in need across Africa. The support ranged from emergency food treatment to nutrition education to parents, as well as cash support to upskilling medical staff and upgrading medical facilities.
The programme, called Enhanced Responses to Nutrition Emergencies (ERNE), has reached more than 1.2 million people in Ethiopia, Niger, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“After coming to the clinic for the second time, I have found that my child is gaining weight. Which is a great relief”, said the mother of 10-month-old Nyariek Choap, who was treated for malnutrition in South Sudan.
In Niger, CONCERN helped Ramatou Ayouba set up a small garden, after her son became ill with malnutrition. “The home garden is very helpful for feeding my family,” she said.
The ERNE Programme was supported under a unique arrangement with the EU’s humanitarian aid, which provided 3-year funding in place of the normal short-term cycles of funding which humanitarian donors often provide.
Through photos, meet the parents and healthcare workers involved in the programme.
A community support group, working against the malnutrition that heavily effects Kiambi, Manono Territory in the DRC. These activists know their community well and can help identify those in need an refer them to the assistance needed.
After 6 failed rainy seasons decimated their herd, Bishaaro and her husband are struggling to support their 12 children in Ethiopia. They underwent screening at a local healthcare centre, and her daughter was treated for malnutrition.
Nyahok Diew is the mother of 2, 4-year-old son Teybuom Choap, and 10-month-old daughter Nyariek Choap. Nyahok brought her sick daughter Nyariek to this healthcare clinic in South Sudan, supported by Concern.
Nyariek was diagnosed with malnutrition and was put on a course of “plumpy nut,” a nutrient-rich paste. “After coming to the clinic for the second time, I have found that my child is gaining weight. Which is a great relief,” says her mother.
Nurse Leonie Kamono, 37, at Kiambi Heath centre, Manono Territory in the DRC. Leonie works at the tiny health centre providing services for Kiambi and the wider region, while she also looks after her own 8 children.
