Uganda: real lives

At the age of two and a half years, Aramanzani could not walk or talk. He was suffering from severe malnutrition. Sunken eyes, loss of appetite and pale brown hair were other unmistakable signs.

Aramanzani is from the community of Bbiina, which is supported by ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in Uganda. Staff first met Aramanzani and his mother during community activities aimed at educating parents about basic childcare. Topics include the importance of immunisation, proper feeding, breast feeding and de-worming.

Aramanzani was one in a group of children identified as malnourished. He and the other children were immediately started on child growth and treatment packages. Soya and millet flour were supplemented with a daily diet of a half-litre of milk and one egg. Within four months of attending the early childhood care and development, Aramanzani was gaining strength - enough to stand.

Aramanzani has now developed into a playful boy, who runs about and talks boisterously with his friends at the early childhood care and development centre. When he is old enough, he will begin school - something his parents never thought possible.

"We are thankful because we thought he was going to be lame and not able to speak," said Aramanzani's mother, Nayima Irene. "He now walks and speaks."
ChildFund in Uganda's childcare training is also helping Irene and her husband provide better basic care to their children. "I now plant green vegetables, fruits, carrots and spinach to feed Aramanzani," said Irene.

A component of ChildFund in Uganda's early childhood care and development program, kitchen gardening ensures a constant sustainable supply of healthful foods to boost child nutrition. The community first procures the seeds and then distributes them to participating families.