In the heart of our community, Najah’s story stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and determination in the face of adversity. Once burdened by the challenges of motherhood, Najah’s life took a remarkable turn when she embarked on a transformative journey toward understanding and advocacy.

Before her encounter with ACRIF’s community nutrition workers and the enlightening Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) counseling sessions. Her children suffered from countless health issues – from relentless bouts of diarrhea and vomiting to the haunting specter of malnutrition and frequent hospitalizations. Amidst her struggles, including consecutive pregnancies and the lack of spacing between children, Najah’s journey was fraught with hardship and despair, all due to her lack of knowledge and practice of breastfeeding.

But then, a glimmer of hope emerged. Led by ACRIF, Najah embarked on a journey of discovery and empowerment. Through our counseling sessions, she learned of the critical importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months without offering water. With newfound understanding, Najah embraced this practice wholeheartedly, recognizing its profound impact on the health and well-being of both mothers and children.

Reflecting on her past experiences, Najah expressed deep regret for not having this knowledge earlier, particularly with her first child. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, she channeled her newfound wisdom into action. Najah emerged as a fervent advocate for optimal infant and young child feeding practices in her community.

Now, Najah stands as a beacon of change, inspiring others to embrace the transformative power of breastfeeding. She actively participates in individual and group counseling sessions, not only implementing the learned practices herself but also sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow mothers. Determined to spare others from the challenges she faced, Najah has made a steadfast commitment to spreading awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding until the child reaches two years of age.

Najah’s dedication to promoting these vital nutritional practices stems from her firsthand realization of the positive impact they can have on children’s lifelong health outcomes. With unwavering determination, she vows to empower mothers in her community, ensuring they are equipped with the information and support needed to provide their children with the best start in life through optimal feeding practices.

As Najah continues her journey of advocacy and empowerment, she serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that through education and determination, we can create a brighter future for generations to come. Join us in celebrating Najah’s remarkable journey and the profound impact she has had on the lives of countless mothers and children in our community.