Severe Acute Malnutrition and Child Development

The majority of deaths caused by malnutrition are among children under five years old, accounting for around 45% of the deaths in this age group. For those who have severe acute malnutrition repeatedly in early childhood and recover, it can cause lifelong developmental consequences.

The Many Faces of Malnutrition

Child with malnutrition symptoms, holding a green cup, displaying milk around mouth, seated next to caregiver, highlighting the impact of Severe Acute Malnutrition.

There are many faces of malnutrition, but Severe Acute Malnutrition is by far the most dangerous. If left untreated it is 100% fatal.

Stories of Impact- Facing Malnutrition

Children facing malnutrition and health challenges, featuring a girl in a rural setting, a baby with a caregiver, a boy holding a photo, and a newborn in medical care, with "Stories of Impact" title overlay for Saving Moses.

Belito’s story, like the story of the boy and the starfish, reminds me that we are making a difference and that saving even just one life is incredibly significant.

Surviving the Drought

Baobab tree in a drought-affected landscape of Angola, illustrating the environmental challenges faced by communities impacted by war and malnutrition.

As drought and the effects of war impact an already crippled food system in Angola, babies and toddlers fight to survive.

Pain, Strength, and Hope

Mother holding a baby in a casual setting, highlighting themes of child welfare and maternal care related to malnutrition and child development.

After asking the question, “What concerns you about going home?” the answer of a 26-year-old mom named Maria stopped me in my tracks. “I’m worried I will go home without my baby,” she said.

The High Cost of Hunger

Toddler sitting on a bed, looking concerned, reflecting the impact of malnutrition and drought in Angola.

By Heidi Cortez, Executive Director  We have all missed a meal at one point and felt the pains of hunger. When you are hungry, it is difficult to focus on anything else. I have watched my son’s entire demeanor change the moment he gets something to eat. He instantly transforms from cranky and angry to […]

Life and hope

Child sitting on an adult's lap, looking concerned, holding a smartphone, in a setting reflecting themes of pain and hope related to hunger and humanitarian aid.

Executive Director, Heidi Cortez, reflects back on her first trip to Angola where she witnessed both death and hope.

Why Should I Care About Babies Across the World?

Healthcare worker feeding malnourished infant in a humanitarian aid setting, emphasizing maternal and infant health challenges in crisis situations.

In global humanitarian work, there is a question we are often asked- Why should I care about what happens to babies and toddlers I will never meet that live in a country I will never visit? Or why should I help babies and toddlers in other countries when there is a need here in the US? 

From Bad to Worse

Child with malnutrition resting against caregiver, highlighting food insecurity challenges in Angola amid COVID-19 crisis.

From Bad to Worse Written by Director of Operations, Heidi Cortez Before the novel Coronavirus ravaged our world, Angola was already extremely food insecure. That means that most of the population lacks access to affordable, nutritional foods. A combination of drought, poor infrastructure, and vast inequality causes this food insecurity. Inequality is readily seen after […]