Sumi never imagined simple nutrition lessons could save his child’s health

In the village of Kokil Colony Para, 21-year-old Sumi lived with her husband, Rahmat, and their young son, Jabelenu. Like many families' facing poverty, they struggled with constant illness and uncertainty. Her son was often weak, refused to eat, and frequently fell sick.

“At that time, I did not understand what nutritious food was or how to properly care for my child’s health,” says Sumi. “I thought my son was naturally weak.”

Through a nutrition programme in her community, Sumi began attending World Vision Bangladesh’s Positive Deviance Hearth Sessions. During one of the sessions, a nutrition worker checked Jabelenu’s growth and explained that at just 20 months old, he was underweight and placed in the “mild malnutrition” category on the GMP card.The news worried Sumi deeply, but it also motivated her to learn.

Over the 12-day Positive Deviance Hearth Session, Sumi learned how to prepare nutritious khichuri using locally available foods, maintain hygiene at home, and seek medical care whenever her child became ill. She listened carefully during every session and began applying the lessons immediately in her daily life.

Instead of forcing her son to eat, Sumi started preparing meals differently and feeding him with more care and patience. She also became more attentive to cleanliness and her child’s health needs. Gradually, she began noticing changes.

By the time Jabelenu reached 23 months old, his weight improved to 10.8 kg, moving him from the malnourished category to a healthy and normal condition.

“Now my son is active, playful, and eats properly,” Sumi says with a smile. “I feel happy knowing that I can take better care of him.”

Today, Sumi not only dreams of a healthier future for her son but also hopes to raise him in a safe and supportive environment so that one day he can become a doctor and help others in need.