Mobile nutrition teams save children’s lives

Syria | 2025 | CERF

Syria, Rural Damascus. “He was like a frozen baby, motionless, expressionless, not even crying,” Mohamed said, describing the condition of his baby son, Morei.

In the small village of Obada in Rural Damascus, Mohamed and his wife, Abeer, struggled to keep their child alive amid devastating challenges. With their village in ruins and no job opportunities, Mohamed was unable to provide for his family. “I saw my son’s body shrink before my eyes, and I felt utterly helpless to save him,” he said.

Abeer’s attempts to feed Morei became increasingly desperate after she stopped breastfeeding him at four months, due to an unexpected pregnancy. “We relied on whatever modest meals we had, but he continued to lose weight,” Abeer said.

With funding from CERF and other donors, UNICEF is supporting mobile health and nutrition teams to visit villages like this one. Abeer took Morei for a check-up. “They told me he had severe malnutrition and needed immediate treatment.”

The mobile team provided Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food, vitamins and regular check-ups. Abeer also received micronutrient supplements for her new pregnancy and attended breastfeeding awareness sessions. “They taught me how to feed my son using affordable, nutritious alternatives,” Abeer said.

“I can’t put into words the joy I felt when they told me my son was safe and healthy,” Abeer said. Morei is still receiving preventive food supplements to protect him from relapsing.

Based on an original story from UNICEF

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Published January 2025