Health & Nutrition

In January 2017, 24-year-old Philemon Chimbalu from Nkhatabay District, northern Malawi joined Nkhuluzi Tigwirizane Youth Club. He had one goal in mind when joining: raise money through the village savings and loans (VSL) – a component under the youth club so that he could prepare for migration to South Africa in search of greener pastures.  

By this time, Philemon was married and had two children. Philemon attests it was not easy to provide for his family.  

Chrissy Antonio holds her premature twins in the KMC position. Born less than 1500 grams each, the babies were released from the unit five days after delivery.

Before coming to Malawi I would never have guessed I would become an advocate for babies.

Fanny stands confidently in front of a small crowd while demonstrating how to properly breastfeed a child. She holds her son in her arms and explains the importance of direct eye-contact and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life. As a member of the Chipando village care group in Nkhotakota District, Fanny knows the importance of proper nutrition for herself and her family. Why? Because just one year ago, Fanny was the mother of an underweight child.

Save the Children Malawi raises awareness for KMC on World Prematurity Day 2016

Imagine spending at least 20 hours a day 7 days a week with a baby strapped to your chest.  Imagine you must eat, sleep, work and care for your other children with a tiny baby depending on your continuous skin-to-skin contact for survival.

Photo: Luzayo Nyirongo, Save the Children.