An amazing recovery

As famine ravaged parts of Somalia in 2011, the story of Zam Zam showed how emergency food and care can dramatically change children’s lives. Just a few weeks after meeting a dangerously malnourished child named Zam Zam, World Vision staff discovered that she is doing much better.

before

Layla Mohamed, 24, fled conflict with her husband and five children, but found herself fighting to save her 18-month-old baby, Zam Zam. In the middle of severe drought and famine, Zam Zam’s name is full of irony, but also hope. It means a “spring” of water.

World Vision staff members discovered Layla and Zam Zam in Somalia. Nutrition manager Wema Adere could immediately tell how severe the baby’s condition was when she saw Zam Zam’s “old man” features of saggy, wrinkly skin.

A measurement of her upper arm circumference confirmed that Zam Zam was severely malnourished. World Vision provided sachets of Plumpy’Nut™ (a peanut-based, nutrient-dense food) to feed Zam Zam, and urged Layla to take her baby to the camp center for malnourished children run by another organization.

The nutrition manager also encouraged Layla to keep breastfeeding.

“I don’t sleep enough because I am so worried,” said Layla. “I wake up in the night and give drink to the baby.”

After

Just a few weeks later, when a World Vision staff member visited, Zam Zam was bright-eyed and had gained weight. The change is remarkable.

Layla has been giving Zam Zam the Plumpy’Nut™ each morning and evening, and says that “she has more energy, [but] she’s still too weak to stand up.”

The story of Layla and Zam Zam illustrates the process involved in bringing relief to children and families affected by the food crisis in the Horn of Africa — though the little girl has made significant strides, her recovery will be a long one.