Nine Kilometres to Hope: A Mother’s Battle to Save Her Daughter’s Life

Madina, 25, lives with her husband and four young children in the remote village of Harerajif, 9 kilometers from Baidoa City. The family owns a small piece of land where they grow maize, beans, and vegetables, but their harvest is barely enough to feed themselves. With little rain and dried-up shallow wells, water and food are scarce, and the village’s isolation makes medical emergencies daunting.

When Sahara became critically ill, stopped feeding, developed a fever, and swelling in her face and feet, Madina was overwhelmed with worry. Rural transport was unreliable and expensive. With no money for fares and hospital fees, Madina waited, hoping her daughter would recover on her own. But as Sahara’s condition worsened, Madina embarked on a brave journey to seek help.

Lifesaving care at Baidoa District Hospital

After neighbors who had previously received compassionate care at Baidoa District Hospital, run by SOS Children’s Villages, shared their experiences, Madina took Sahara there, where all services are free thanks to the support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) through the CaafimaadPlus Consortium. Upon arrival, Sahara was immediately examined and diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), with a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of just 10.4 cm. She was feverish, unconscious, and fighting infections.

The medical team quickly administered intravenous fluids to replenish Sahara's losses and began her treatment with antibiotics and specialized therapeutic nutrition at the hospital’s Stabilization Center (SC). She started with F-75 therapeutic milk, designed for the most vulnerable children. Gradually, her condition improved; by the third day, she was conscious, communicating, and able to sit up independently. Once stabilized, she transitioned to F-100 milk to help regain strength and immunity. Meanwhile, Madina received daily meals and guidance to support Sahara’s recovery.

A path to recovery and hope

After five days of intensive care, Sahara made remarkable progress. She regained her ability to walk, enjoyed ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF), and was discharged to the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP). At the OTP, she will receive weekly Plumpy’nut sachets, a peanut-based RUTF, to aid her recovery at home. Madina’s family is filled with relief and gratitude as Sahara grows stronger each day.

In September alone, the Stabilization Center (SC) at Baidoa District Hospital cared for 41 children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), most from remote villages and internally displaced camps, providing urgent, specialized treatment they could not otherwise access.

"I am deeply grateful to the nurses and doctors who cared for my daughter," Madina says. "Thanks to the free services and hospitality, Sahara is alive and getting better. I never imagined this could be possible."

With the continued support of ECHO, children like Sahara are not left behind. Each intervention represents more than just medical care — it restores hope and reclaims lives. As this partnership expands, thousands more children will have the chance to survive, recover, and thrive.