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| Baymone is able to stand on her own after receiving help from the SOS Malnutrition Intervention Program |
October 13, 2011: Baymone is a 17-month-old child who lives in Savannakhet, Laos. Her parents are poor farmers and live in the countryside, about 125 miles away from
SOS Children's Village Savannakhet. The youngest of the three siblings, she was severely malnourished and weighed only 15 lbs.
When Niam's one-year-old daughter, Baymone was no longer strong enough to sit up on her own, Niam knew something was wrong. She did not know what the problem was but the baby's appetite disappeared and she even refused to eat rice, which was part of her regular diet.
One of the neighbors told Niam about the Malnutrition Intervention Program run by SOS Children's Village Savannakhet. She did not waste any time and took Baymone on the long, 125 mile trip to the SOS Village.
As part of this program, malnourished children stay at the SOS Children's Village for a period of 3-6 months where they receive some nutritious diet, vitamin supplements and vaccinations. Once they attain normal weight and height, they return to their families.
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| Many malnourished children receive a nutritious diet at the SOS Malnutrition Intervention Program in Laos |
The Road to a Healthy Childhood
The first two weeks were difficult for the caregiver as Baymone was thin, pale and barely weighed 15 lbs. She had a big abdomen and frequently developed a fever. "In the first week, I administered de-worming medicine and put her on a healthy diet. From the second week onwards, vitamin supplements were introduced. All prescribed vaccines were also administered during this time and the health status of the child was closely monitored by doctors and nurses," says the caregiver.
Within 3-4 weeks, Baymone started looking healthier. She gained 2 lbs in weight and her appetite improved. Now, she is less irritable and plays with other kids. She can also walk some steps without any support. She is still in the care of SOS Children's Villages and will return to her family after two months.
SOS Children's Villages is convinced that it is almost always best for children to grow up in families. Through programs like these, we are able to provide support to children in need and reunify them with their families.
Baymone's life was saved and she is in good hands. Your generous contributions help us save the lives of such children. Please donate today to support SOS health care programs.