IN PICTURES: Fathers at the forefront of fighting malnutrition
For almost two years, Rohingya families have called the world’s largest refugee camp home. For new mothers and children, staying healthy here isn’t easy. The camps are crowded, prone to flooding and children are at risk of illnesses and malnutrition.
The World Food Programme with Support from EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), is providing nutrition support to all Rohingya children under 5 years old along with pregnant and breastfeeding women. At nutrition centres, children are weighed and measured and if they are malnourished, their parents receive nutrient-rich foods that their children’s growing bodies need.
These centres, however, have traditionally been a woman’s domain. In Rohingya society women are typically responsible for the health and well-being of their children, while the men are the breadwinners. But an increasing number of men are visiting the centres with their children in tow.
Speaking to these fathers, it’s evident that education around nutrition is having a profound impact on the way they raise their children.
We visited some of the nutrition sites to meet some of these fathers are finding it increasingly important to be included in their children’s treatment.
Dil Mohammad
“If my child becomes healthy and my wife becomes healthy, then it is my happiness. If they are sick, it is my sadness.”
Zahid Hossen
“The first time I came here my children were so skinny and sick. When we fed them the porridge they became healthier and seeing this made me interested in coming more.”
Mohammad Elias
“I’ve learned how to cook the porridge for my child and I have seen her become healthy.”
Mohammad Ayub
“I know that this food is better for my child’s health and it gives him energy.”
WFP, with support from EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), provides nutrition assistance to almost 200,000 children and pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps.
