Trangelito Kicks His Way Back to Health
Two weeks after leaving hospital, Trangelito was back on sandy ground outside his home in Monapo district, northern Mozambique. A ball rolled in front of him. He stepped forward and kicked it.
It was a striking change.
Only weeks earlier, the five-year-old had stopped eating and playing. He had little strength and struggled to stand for more than a short time. His mother knew something was wrong but did not understand what was happening or realise that he needed medical care.
Help came during a routine household visit by members of the Community Child Protection Committee in Itoculo administrative post, Monapo.
The committee members noticed that Trangelito was not eating or playing and could barely stand. They contacted the Community Health Committee, whose members work with families to identify nutrition concerns, promote prevention and facilitate access to care.
After assessing Trangelito, the Health Committee determined that he needed urgent medical attention. His mother was counselled on the seriousness of his condition and the need to seek treatment without delay.
Trangelito was taken to a health facility by his mother, accompanied by a Community Health Committee member. Medical records show that he was admitted on 10 July 2026 with malaria and kwashiorkor, a severe form of acute malnutrition. He received treatment and was discharged on 17 July.
The support continued at home. Committee members visited the family weekly during the first few weeks, monitoring his recovery, advising his mother on feeding practices and supporting regular weight checks.
His mother also learnt how to prepare enriched porridge using locally available ingredients. It soon became part of his daily diet.
Within weeks, Trangelito’s appetite returned, along with his desire to play. Football, his favourite sport, was once again part of his daily routine.
“I could see that my child was very unwell, but I did not know why. I did not think of taking him to hospital. The committee members explained the situation and accompanied us. I am grateful because he now eats, plays and enjoys football again,” his mother said.
The committees now visit the family once a month to monitor Trangelito’s diet, weight and overall progress.
His experience shows how community structures can help identify children at risk, connect families to essential health services and provide support after discharge. Members receive training, materials and logistical support from the World Vision Mozambique District Programme in Monapo, strengthening their ability to identify children in need, engage with families, facilitate referrals and conduct follow-up visits.
From 2024 to 2026, a total of 17,233 children under five were monitored through regular weight checks to assess their nutritional status, while 3,262 children identified with malnutrition were rehabilitated by volunteers using locally available resources.
One Community Health Committee member says Trangelito’s recovery reinforces why this work matters.
“When we saw that Trangelito was not eating, playing or standing for long, we knew that the family needed immediate support. We worked with the Child Protection Committee, spoke to his mother and helped them access medical care. Seeing Trangelito eating and playing football shows why early identification and follow-up are so important,” the committee member said.