How Advice Helped Safaa Nourish Her Son and Herself in Lebanon
On July 30, 2025, a community mobilizer reached out to Action Against Hunger with concern for a young mother in Hosh Sour. Safaa’s 14-month-old son, Alaa, was receiving only one meal of food each day, along with several bottles of water mixed with starch and sugar. She had no milk or formula to give him, and he had not received any vaccinations.
When the team of Action Against Hunger, supported by the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS) of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, visited her home, Alaa’s Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measured 139 mm—still within normal range, but dangerously close to malnutrition. Safaa herself was pregnant and had never seen a doctor. She spoke softly about her loss of appetite and the fact that she was not taking any vitamins. It was clear that both mother and child needed urgent support.
The team sat with Safaa and spoke openly about feeding practices, the benefits of breastfeeding, and how she could make the best use of what she had. She was referred to the Primary Healthcare Center of Amel Association in Sour for Alaa’s vaccinations and for prenatal care. Nutritional supplements were provided for both her and her son.
A week later, the follow-up visit brought a different picture. Safaa opened the door with a shy smile. She had stopped giving Alaa the starch and sugar mixture and was feeding him healthier foods. She told the team she felt more confident and better prepared to care for her children.
“I didn’t know before,” Safaa said. “Now I understand what my son needs. I can take care of him and my baby in the right way.”
Her change was not about large resources or complicated interventions. It began with a conversation, practical guidance, and consistent follow-up. Safaa’s commitment to improving her children’s health is a reminder that even small steps, when taken at the right time, can have lasting impact.
This intervention was carried out by Action Against Hunger with support from the Crisis and Support Center (CDCS) of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
