Every child deserves a great start to life. A good nutritional status is essential for the physical and cognitive development of children especially, within the first two years of life. Nutritional deficits suffered within this period are largely irreversible. For this reason, International Needs is grateful to God and its partners for the recovery and resilience of eight-year-old Nutifafa.
It was in 2016, and Nutifafa only 3 months old was brought in by her aunt to a medical outreach organized by International Needs Ghana in partnership with International Needs USA at Anawoekope in the North Tongu District. Every medical person who saw her at the time was concerned at the terrifying extent of malnourishment. Her state shook the hearts of those who saw her: The doctor who first attended to her feared that she could lose her life if there was no timely intervention.
Nutifafa lost her mother shortly after childbirth and her aunt who had taken on the responsibility of caring for her could not sufficiently cater to her nutritional needs, due to her meagre resources. International Needs responded immediately with an intervention which included the provision of essential nourishment in the form of baby food, ensuring that she received the care and sustenance vital for her recovery.
It was a happy reunion in February 2024 for Nutifafa and Aunt to meet with the doctor and some of the medical team members who saved her life. For the doctor who attended to her, witnessing her vibrant presence was a moment of profound joy and astonishment. Nutifafa is currently a pupil enrolled in one of the International Needs Ghana’s programme schools.
Nutifafa’s resilience and thriving health is a testament of the impact of International Needs Medical Outreaches. As we celebrate Nutifafa’s journey, we are motivated to continually commit to the well-being of every individual, especially the most vulnerable among us.