Abeba

Abeba*, a 38-year-old mother, gave birth to triplets, an uncommon circumstance that brought significant challenges for her family. Living modestly, the household was already struggling to meet its basic needs before the birth of the three infants. The arrival of the triplets placed an overwhelming financial and caregiving burden on the family.

Although Abeba* breastfed her children, her breast milk alone was insufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of all three infants. Due to the family’s limited income, they were unable to afford infant formula, supplementary food, and other essential supplies needed to support the babies’ healthy growth and development. As a result, the children faced an increased risk of malnutrition and developmental delays.

The situation also had a significant emotional impact on Abeba*. Constantly worried about her children’s health and survival, she experienced considerable stress and anxiety as she struggled to provide adequate care and nutrition for all three babies.

Following the identification of the family’s urgent needs, a comprehensive assessment was conducted to determine the nutritional and welfare status of the triplets and their mother. Based on the assessment findings, the family was enrolled in the project’s support program and received targeted assistance.

The intervention included the provision of infant formula milk and other essential supplies to ensure the babies received adequate nutrition during their critical early months. In addition, Abeba* received counseling and guidance on infant feeding practices, childcare, and nutrition to improve the health and well-being of her children. Regular follow-up visits were conducted to monitor the growth and development of the triplets and provide continued support to the family.

Reflecting on the support received, Abeba* shared:

“Before receiving the support, I was constantly worried because my breast milk was not enough for all three babies. The cash assistance and monthly formula milk helped me provide the nutrition they needed. Today, my children are healthy, growing well, and I feel hopeful about their future.”

Following the intervention, the family’s situation improved significantly. The project provided three rounds of cash assistance totaling 30,000 ETB (160 euros), monthly formula milk support for the triplets, and infant nutrition and childcare awareness sessions, including cooking demonstrations. This assistance enabled the family to meet the children’s immediate nutritional and basic needs during a critical stage of development.

The cash support helped the family purchase nutritious food, clothing, diapers, and other essential household items, while the monthly formula milk ensured that all three infants received adequate nutrition. As a result, the children experienced steady weight gain, improved health, and age-appropriate physical growth and development. Regular monitoring confirmed that they remained healthy and free from serious illness.

At 11 months of age, all three children are healthy, active, and developing well. The intervention also reduced Abeba*’s stress and strengthened the family’s ability to care for the children, restoring hope and confidence for the future.

The experience highlights how timely nutrition support, cash assistance, and caregiver education can help less fortunate families meet the needs of young children and support healthy growth during critical stages of early childhood development.

*Not her real name.

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