A JOURNEY OF NURTURING CARE & TRANSFORMATION

Nurturing Growth: Transforming Lives through Early Childhood Care

In Arsal, where the challenges of displacement cast a shadow on the most vulnerable, a story of hope and transformation unfolds. Here, amid the pressing needs of nutrition, and as part of UNICEF’s Rising initiative launched in Lebanon in 2023, a project aimed at enhancing early childhood growth and development is making a profound impact.

Once burdened by issues such as breastfeeding difficulties, inadequate maternal nutrition, and barriers to complementary feeding, the community in Arsal became the focus of a project titled "Improving Nurturing Care for Optimal Early Childhood Growth and Development through Addressing Adequate Nutrition, Responsive Care, and Appropriate Hygiene Practices."

Under the umbrella of Rising, an initiative to promote integrated Nutrition and Early Childhood Development in Lebanon, the project, operating in Arsal & Qaa (North Bekaa), and Majdal Anjar (Central Bekaa), implemented by Action Against Hunger in partnership with UNICEF, has a singular objective – to enhance nurturing care for optimal growth and development among the most vulnerable children under 5, with a focus on families and communities.

Within these efforts, we encounter the story of Fatima, a 32-year-old mother in Arsal. Married and supported by her husband, she cares for five children, including a 4-month-old baby. Fatima's newborn faced challenges, struggling with low weight for age and diagnosed with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Community outreach efforts brought an Early Childhood Development (ECD) specialist capacitated by UNICEF to her doorstep, initiating a journey of personalized assistance that began on October 23rd and continued over a period of two and a half months. The baby's weight on the initial visit was 3.8kg at almost 2 months, indicating severe underweight. While exclusively breastfeeding, Fatima needed support in breastfeeding positioning, latching, and further education on breastfeeding, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), and ECD. Between visits, she consulted a pediatrician who prescribed formula, claiming insufficient milk supply. On our second visit, Fatima reported projectile vomiting and decreased bowel movement. The ECD specialist explained that she had an adequate milk supply, providing evidence based on her expertise, and convinced her to avoid formula, diagnosing CMPA. After close follow-up visits and adherence to provided education, the baby's weight gradually increased to 5.3kg at 4 months, achieving normalcy. ECD specialists ensured that all ECD milestones were reached at 2 and 4 months through the assessment period.

This assistance delivered face-to-face at Fatima’s home, revolves around integrating IYCF and ECD counseling as per the objectives of the Rising Initiative. The ongoing support and personalized approach are evident in the remarkable improvements witnessed over the course of a month.

Continuous IYCF and ECD counseling monitored the baby’s progress. After a month, the improvements were remarkable – the baby’s weight increased, vomiting and diarrhea ceased, and overall growth and development were evident. The positive changes extended beyond the immediate beneficiary; Fatima’s son also received MNP.

The newfound knowledge and practices continue to shape Fatima’s approach to childcare. The project’s impact resonates not only within her family but also in the wider community. Valuable lessons include targeting more pediatricians for IYCF training, hiring trained staff, and building trust with beneficiaries.

This project in partnership with UNICEF is planting the seeds of lasting change, nurturing growth, and transforming lives one family at a time. Through dedicated efforts and community-centric approaches, the project envisions a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, breaking the cycle of vulnerability and paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.