Nourishing the future: shadab’s path to recovery and hope

10/10/25

Success Stories

8

Born on December 29, 2022, at the Community Health Center in Malhipur, Saddam (name changed) weighed a healthy 3.5 kg at birth. But life took a harsh turn for the little boy, a resident of Tepra village in Gajbhari, under Kathara Mafi sub-center, Jamunaha Block, Shravasti. His father, Asfak, works as a daily wage laborer to support the family, and their limited resources made it challenging to address Saddam’s sudden health decline.
“He was born healthy, but after a fever, his condition worsened gradually. We didn’t know what to do,” Shadab’s mother recalled with sadness.

During a household survey conducted as part of the Save the Children (Bal Raksha Bharat) project, Poshan Sarthi, Taruna Mishra, noticed Shadab’s frail appearance. After weighing him at the Anganwadi center on a designated day, it was confirmed that he fell into the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) category.

Shadab’s family was advised to take him to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC) for specialized care. However, his father hesitated, believing that NRC treatment would be costly and ineffective.
“They told us we’d have to buy medicine from outside and spend money, which we couldn’t afford,” Aslam explained.

Persistence and Compassion Lead to Change

Understanding the family’s concerns, Poshan Sarthi involved the project supervisor and ASHA worker to provide detailed and empathetic counseling to the family. Multiple visits were made to their home, where the NRC’s benefits and cost-free services were explained thoroughly.
“We explained that NRC provides complete care without financial burden and is essential for saving Shadab’s life. Convincing the family was not easy, but their trust gradually grew,” shared the Poshan Sarthi.

Finally, on September 7, 2023, with the support of Save the Children and the RBSK team, Shadab was admitted to the NRC, where he received 14 days of dedicated care and treatment.

Follow-Up and Recovery

The team conducted regular follow-ups to monitor Shadab’s progress post-NRC care. Over time, Shadab’s health improved significantly, and he returned to a healthy, normal state. His parents were overjoyed to see their child recover.

“Now, Shadab is active and eats well. We are so grateful to Save the Children for their guidance and support. Without them, we would not have known what to do,” said Aslam with tears of gratitude.

Shadab’s story has not only transformed his family’s perspective but also inspired others in the village.

Creating Healthier Futures Together

Through consistent community engagement, counseling sessions, and partnerships with the health department, Bal Raksha Bharat continues its mission in Jamunaha Block, Shravasti. The organization aims to ensure 100% NRC utilization and raise awareness about combating malnutrition.

“Changing perceptions requires patience and trust, but when a child thrives and a family regains hope, it’s all worthwhile,” shared a Bal Raksha Bharat team member.

Shadab’s journey from severe malnutrition to health is a powerful testament to the impact of compassionate care, persistence, and community support. It’s a story of recovery, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future.

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Gaurav Sharma

Content Reviewer

“I am an editor and technical specialist at Bal Raksha Bharat, responsible for publishing articles and posts. My role involves evaluating content for consistency, and ensuring a positive user experience across the website."