That is the story of baby Judith, who was brought to us this morning. I had received a telephone call from one of the health workers in the village, he had two malnourished children. I asked him if he could come with them and this morning he brought them both.
Judith's mother had no breast feeding and she gave only water with some sugar (if there was any) to the baby. She had tried cow's milk, but the baby vomited, so only water. And when the baby was 2 months old she started to give porridge (millet and water). When I heard more of the story of the mother, I really felt for her, she tried, she couldn't do more and there were no people around her, who wanted to help her.. She got her first baby when she was 13 years old, now she was 20!
Janneke took the baby directly to the doctor and right now she is getting a blood transfusion. She was also very anaemic. She is drinking milk, little bits, to get her used to it. But it is so sad to see this little baby (only a weight of 3.5 kg.) suffering, she has oedema and you can see the rashes in the face.
The other child was a bit older, she was 1 year and 8 months, she was also malnourished, but in a earlier stage. She is talking a bit and she is still eating and drinking. Right now she gets IV medication and we hope she will pick up and start gaining. She also has already swollen feet and hands, but not as severe as Judith.
The good news is that she tested HIV-, while her mother is HIV+ and on ARV medication. We are quite full at the moment, all the beds are taken, and we have two sets of twins who are sharing a bed! for the bonding!!!
This are Patricia and her twin brother Aron. They are now almost 4 months. Their mother has a mental problem and the baby's were malnourished when they were brought to Amecet. They will go back home next week! The grandparents will be caring for them. They are doing well and on this picture they have a Twin Talk!!!
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