Overcoming severe malnutrition with therapeutic ‘peanut butter’
19-month-old Sudais embraces newfound joy with his father after receiving successful treatment in the UNICEF Integrated Nutrition Program ©UNICEF/UNI398422/Khatri
In the rugged terrain of Swat in Pakistan, we meet Sudais, a 19-month-old boy with a remarkable spirit.
Born weak and frail, Sudais battled severe malnutrition, leaving his father, Hazrat and mother Reham filled with despair.
“He was born very weak, we didn’t think he would survive.”
- Hazrat
Due to his condition, Sudais' parents took him to the UNICEF Integrated Nutrition Program in his province. With the aid of life-saving Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) treatment, Sudais began a transformative journey. Twice a day, Sudais was fed this therapeutic food akin to ‘peanut butter’, which provides the required amount of protein and micronutrients that he was missing out on.
Under expert guidance, Sudais' health improved. Today, he stands, walks, and joyfully interacts with his elder brother, embodying strength and resilience.
In 2022, UNICEF made a significant impact by providing life-saving treatment for severe malnutrition to 7.3 million children under five years.
Incredibly, nutrition programs for children with severe malnutrition help 90 per cent of children recover. We need your help to reach more children with this life-saving help.
This Father's Day, you can help parents like Hazrat and Reham provide a lifeline for their children, with this very special Inspired Gift.