Fighting to save twin babies from malnutrition: Kiros’ Story

In the quiet, dusty paths of  Mygua Village in Ethiopia lives Kiros Gebremeskel Zegye, a 35-year-old mother whose heart carried the weight of both love and hardship. Nine months earlier, she brought two beautiful daughters, Hewan and Selam, into the world. However, the joy of their arrival was soon overshadowed by the challenges that lay ahead. 

A Life of Challenges

Kiros faced significant financial difficulties. As a single mother, she struggled to provide for her children. With very limited land for cultivation, food shortages became a grim reality. Each day was a battle against hunger, a struggle to find enough sustenance for her precious twins. 

Adding to her challenges, Kiros has a disability that affects her ability to hear and comprehend community events and family matters fully. This barrier often left her feeling isolated as she navigated her world with a limited understanding of the conversations and discussions that swirled around her. 

Kiros tends to her chickens at home

Heartbreak and Hope

Kiros felt hopeless when her baby Selam fell critically ill due to malnutrition. Despite Kiros’s desperate efforts to care for her, the little girl tragically passed away at home, leaving Kiros in shock and engulfed in grief. Struggling to cope with the tragic loss of Selam, Kiros was terrified she would also lose Selam’s twin sister Hewan who was also battling severe malnutrition. 

Plagued by persistent diarrhea and a poor appetite, Hewan’s condition deteriorated rapidly,. Thankfully, with the help of local health workers and GOAL’s team in Ethiopia, Hewan was admitted to the Endamariam Health Center for treatment. 

The Turning Point

During the treatment and follow up, Kiros found herself amidst a whirlwind of emotions: fear, hope, and desperation. The care Hewan received proved to be a turning point. Under the watchful eyes of health workers, her daughter began to show signs of improvement. Slowly but surely,  Hewan was moved from the stabilization unit to the outpatient therapeutic programme. Her appetite returned, and the complications that once plagued her began to fade. 

Kiros felt a glimmer of hope, but the shadow of  Selam’s absence lingered, reminding her of the fragility of life.  

“When I see my child recovered and smiling, I thank Almighty God for bringing the lifesaving JEOP (Joint Emergency Operation Project) to our area, which saved my baby’s life. This brings me some comfort knowing that Hewan’s condition is stable.” Kiros reflected.  

Baby Hewan is recovering well from life-threatening malnutrition

Despite the struggles, Kiros is immensely grateful for the support provided by the Endamariam Health Centre collaboration.

“We did this lifesaving work due to the generous funding from USAID and technical support from the lead CRS and we are grateful for that. However, compared with the need in the ground, more resources are needed, and we hope to see that in the future,” Guadie Abye, GOAL’s JEOP Project Manager, said.  

Your support can help families like Kiros’ in Ethiopia. Make a donation today and help treat malnutrition and save the lives of young infants like Hewan.