Building Healthier Futures with the help of Adolescent Nutrition Champions

Malnutrition remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities. Misbah Jonejo, a 16-year-old student from Bhiria City, witnessed the harmful effects of malnutrition firsthand, particularly among children and pregnant women in her community. Through MERF’s Adolescent Nutrition Champions program, she was trained to become a Nutrition Champion, equipping her with the tools to make a difference.

Misbah conducted awareness sessions on the importance of proper nutrition and screened over 200 children for malnutrition. As a result, 13 children were referred for treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Misbah’s efforts have had a profound impact on her community, with better awareness about nutrition leading to improved health outcomes.

Misbah shared, “The training from MERF transformed me into a community advocate. Seeing children recover due to my efforts motivates me to continue serving my community.”

MERF with support of International Rescue Committee, through funding from European Union, is working to address the issue of persistent malnutrition in target five districts of Sindh through increased community outreach, improved facility based treatment and timely referrals.