Fatima and her husband endured unimaginable grief, losing four children before Hassan and Hussaina brought hope back into their lives. They moved from Kagara to Gidan Sali’u, eventually finding themselves in the Goronyo IDP camp in 2022, where hunger and hardship became their daily reality. “When we arrived at the camp, life was so difficult. There were days we had nothing to eat, and my children became very weak,” Fatima shared.
During an active case-finding mission, Hassan and Hussaina were discovered in critical condition. Their frail bodies told a story of struggle and adversity. Hassan’s Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured 9.3 cm, with his weight at 2.5 kilograms. Hussaina’s condition was even more severe, with a MUAC of 6.8 cm and a weight of just 1.0 kilogram.
I thought I would lose them too,” Fatima recalled with tears in her eyes. “But then, help came.
The twins were referred to Sokoto Specialized Hospital, managed by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). There, they received intensive care and therapeutic milk, which stabilized their condition. Afterward, they were transferred to a center in Goronyo, where they received ready to use therapeutic food (RUTF) to continue their recovery.
“I will never forget the day we arrived at the hospital. The doctors and nurses gave us hope when we had none,” Fatima said.
Under the watchful care of the Life Helpers Initiative (LHI) through the BHA project, the twins’ progress was closely monitored. Daily visits to the center ensured they received the essential nutrition and support they needed for growth and development.
“The LHI team came every day to check on us,” Fatima explained. “They showed so much care, and little by little, my babies began to grow stronger.” Weeks turned into months, and Hassan and Hussaina’s resilience began to shine. Their MUAC measurements improved, their weight increased, and their smiles returned.
“Yanzu, idan na kalle su, ina ganin yadda muka zo nesa. Sun zama lafiya, suna dariya, kuma suna cike da rayuwa.” Fatima said with a smile.
Today, as Hassan and Hussaina celebrate their first birthday, they are thriving, a testament to the power of resilience and support in the face of adversity.
“Our story is one of hope,” Fatima shared. “To every mother out there facing tough times, never give up. Help is out there, and things can get better.”
