In Uror County in Jonglei State, South Sudan, malnutrition is a major health threat to children under five. It’s caused by a lack of nutritious food, a lack of healthcare advice and facilities, and poor feeding practices. Pray for Tearfund’s work alongside UNICEF, providing health clinics to help advise mothers and treat children.
Sunday 14 May
Tearfund supports 36 nutrition centres in Jonglei State across four counties: Morobo, Uror, Twic East and Pochalla. These provide food for more than 170,000 children under five years old, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Ask God to help the team seek out and identify mothers and children in greatest need of support.
Monday 15 May
Nyajang brought her baby daughter Nyamai to one of Tearfund’s nutrition centres when she was seriously malnourished. The medical team put Nyamai on an urgent treatment programme and brought her back to good health. ‘I am just very happy that Tearfund saved my daughter’s life,’ says Nyajang. ‘My child was saved from dying. Thank you, God!’ Praise God for this life-saving work.
Tuesday 16 May
While she was at the centre, Nyajang learnt about breastfeeding and family planning. She vowed to put it into practice so that none of her children would suffer from malnutrition again. Pray for Nyajang, who has returned to her community, as she advises and supports other mothers to better care for their children.
Wednesday 17 May
Abiol and her husband took their seven-month-old baby to a Tearfund nutrition centre in Panyagor when he stopped eating and became seriously ill. Give thanks that the treatment worked and he started feeding again. ‘My baby is looking good and healthy and I am overjoyed,’ says Abiol. ‘I can’t believe it. Now he eats well. Thanks to Tearfund, I was also taught how best to feed my baby.’
Thursday 18 May
Tearfund’s nutrition team treats malnourished children with rehydration solutions, antibiotics and a micronutrient paste made from peanuts, sugar, milk powder, oil, vitamins and minerals. This helps to bring babies and children back to good health, but it can take several weeks. Pray for the wellbeing of Tearfund’s medical staff as they encounter distressed mothers and seriously ill children every day.
Friday 19 May
Although her six-month-old baby was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition and successfully treated with nutritional supplements, it was a terrifying time for Elizabeth. ‘From being a playful, joyous girl, she started crying a lot, breastfeeding less and sometimes could not even eat,’ she says. Pray that mothers like Elizabeth will seek the support and advice of Tearfund’s health clinics.
Saturday 20 May
Lord God, we lift up mothers like Abiol, Elizabeth and Nyajang who are struggling to look after their young children because they lack food and good nutrition advice. We thank you for the healthcare workers who dedicate their time to make sure that babies survive and mothers learn how to care for their children. Give them the determination to carry on and serve you. Amen.
