Juma's Story

When Juma's grandmother brought him to the therapeutic feeding centre run by Tearfund―a not-for-profit organization working in Korr, northern Kenya―no one expected him to live through the day. The skin of the emaciated 6-year-old was stretched tight over his tiny bones. He had severe malnutrition with medical complications that included fever and diarrhea. He was too exhausted and racked with pain to cry. But his eyes were clear and determined: he was not ready to die.

As soon as she laid eyes on Juma, Tearfund's nutritionist, Olivia Agutu, rushed the little boy to the stabilization centre. Juma's height―59 cm―and weight were half what they should have been. The circumference of the middle of his upper arm was a mere 7.4 cm; a child with an arm measuring less than 11 cm is at great risk of mortality.

Olivia and the nurses in the centre took a special interest in Juma. He was put on therapeutic milk for two weeks and the nurses attended to his medical complications. He ate well, and responded quickly to the medicine. He started putting on weight. After stabilizing, Juma was discharged to continue therapeutic treatment at home. Daily home visits and close monitoring by the Tearfund nurse contributed greatly to his recovery. Juma was literally a new person. He gained weight and grew even taller, and his skin had a healthy luster. And he now had a big grin on his face.

The Canadian International Development Agency's support to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is helping to purchase and distribute food to ease the suffering of people in chronic hunger and emergency situations worldwide. Children like Juma who live in poverty depend on the crucial food aid provided through this partnership.

The 15 member agencies of the CFGB work with grass roots partners like Tearfund around the world to determine what needs and priorities must be met, allowing them to reach the most vulnerable people. This partnership allowed them to identify the Marsabit district in northern Kenya as a region in need. As a result, the basic human needs of innumerable Kenyans have been cared for.

Juma, one of the beneficiaries in Tearfund's nutrition program, was discovered by a Catholic nun during her outreach activities, and she immediately recommended him to Tearfund. As his grandmother gratefully told Olivia, "I know my grandson would have died had I not brought him to [you]. And now he is going to be my eyes when I grow old. Thank you very much for saving my grandson."

"We are so happy for what Tearfund has done for us,'' said Wambile, the area chief from Korr. "Even though the nutrition work is over, Tearfund has left behind knowledge for us."

The Government of Canada and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) are firm believers that reducing hunger is a prerequisite for long-term development. The Government of Canada and the CFGB have been feeding hungry people and saving lives around the world together for twenty-five years.