Fighting moderate acute malnutrition: a displaced woman triumphed

The scorching sun of the Far North region casts a golden glow on Fanne Bli’s face, a 25-year-old displaced woman seeking refuge in Afadé village, Kousseri. Forced to flee from her home due to relentless Boko Haram attacks, she found herself in a community struggling to survive. In Afadé village, over 5,700 displaced people out of 40,736 residents are facing hunger, scarce water and poor hygiene. 

Before 2014, Fanne and her community thrived on farming and small-scale trade, ensuring stability. But as Boko Haram’s violence spread, her world crumbled. She lost her farm, her livelihood, and her sense of security. Hunger weakened her, leaving her helpless. Her son, Kellou Hamit, grew frailer by the day, his hollow stare a haunting reminder of their plight. Like them, neighbours and families faced famine, water shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system. Schools shut down due to attacks, robbing children of their education and their future. 

 Determined to find a way out, Fanne made her way to Afadé Health Facility, despite having no money for consultation or medicine. Her only hope was the possibility of a better future. 

After a medical check-up, health manager delivered grim news; both she and her son were in poor health. She needed urgent treatment, but without money, there was no way to pay for it. While explaining her stressful situation to the health manager, she learned about a World Food Programme (WFP) nutrition screening designed to support malnourished families. “It felt like an answer to my prayers,” she recalled.  

In January 2024, Fanne wrapped her son onto her back, and embarked on an 85-kilometre journey on foot under the blistering heat. Every step was a test of endurance, but she refused to give up.

Arriving at the screening site drenched in sweat, she found more than 1,000 people already waiting, some sitting on mats, others standing under the scorching sun. 

Finally, the WFP nutrition team assessed her condition. The results confirmed her worst fear; both she and her son suffering from moderate acute malnutrition. But relief flooded in as they were immediately enrolled in a three-month WFP assistance programme, from   April, to June 2024. 

Fanne was among 72 pregnant and breastfeeding women registered, while her son joined 895 children receiving critical nutrition support. 

After being enrolled in the programme, Fanne and her son began receiving much-needed food assistance. Kellou was given 100 grams of Super Cereal Plus daily; a fortified corn-soya blend packed with essential nutrients for young children aged 6-59 months. Fanne received 200 grams daily, ensuring her own recovery alongside her son.  

Additionally, WFP provided a monthly food ration that included 55 kilograms of rice, 18 kilograms of yellow split peas, 600 grams of vegetable oil and 75 grams of iodised salt. With a sigh of relief, Fanne realised that for the first time in months, she and her son would no longer go to bed hungry. “When my son and I were enrolled, I was very overjoyed. Finally, we would stop sleeping on empty stomachs and get better, she said.

Beyond food assistance, Fanne also received training on proper nutrition and hygiene practices. She learned how to prepare enriched meals to help her son recover.  Following the guidance, she carefully prepared fortified porridge for Kellou, ensuring he got the nutrients his fragile body desperately needed. 

Over the next three months, their health improved significantly. Fanne felt her strength return, and Kellou began to gain weight. “The training helped me cook enriched porridge for my son; after three months, he gained weight and looks much healthier,” she shared, a smile of relief on her face.

With renewed strength, Fanne took charge of her future.  No longer just a recipient of support, she actively sought ways to sustain herself. She joined a local farm where she cultivates maize, providing food for her family while selling part of her harvest to meet immediate needs. 

"WFP nutrition programme has transformed lives in Kousseri, improving the health of over 15,000 internally displaced people in 2024. Among them, 10,000 malnourished children between 6 to 59 months and 5,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women have regained their health and strengths through WFP support.” Dr. Gnagna Ndiaye, Head of Field Office Far North Region, WFP Cameroon highlights. 

But beyond food and health, the impact of the assistance is far-reaching. It has restored dignity, hope and resilience, empowering families like Fanne’s to rebuild their future.