Mohamed and Azima, his mother, during a stimulation therapy session in Safo, Niger | © J. Labeur / HI
Mohamed and Azima, his mother, during a stimulation therapy session in Safo, Niger | © J. Labeur / HI
Mohamed Yasser Habibou is 1 year old. He is the only child of Azima Sani. After a severe episode of malnutrition causing muscle weakness, he could neither hold up his head nor sit up on his own. Azima has been taking him for stimulation therapy—rehabilitation exercises provided by HI that stimulate the development of malnourished children 6 and younger He's made substantial progress.
"Before, I was constantly on the alert with Mohamed. I had to carry him on my back most of the day while I went about my chores. I felt ashamed that he couldn't do certain things. But now he's independent," says Azima.
HI’s physical therapists have taught Azima many exercises to do with Mohamed. These include exercises to keep his head upright and to enable him to sit up in a basket or cardboard box and play, as well as games that she can reproduce at home using everyday objects and toys, such as a chair or stool. Thanks to these sessions, Mohamed can now sit up on his own, hold his head up and even walk without his mother's help.
Now that he can move around on his own, Mohamed has begun exploring his environment, and Azima regularly finds herself chasing after him. Delighted by this change, Azima wants to share her experience with her neighbors to help other children. She is also glad to know that the exercises she has learned will enable her to protect Mohamed's future brothers and sisters from the consequences of malnutrition.
"Like all the mothers in the world, I hope with all my heart that my little Mohamed will be able to grow up and fulfill his potential. We've been through some difficult times together and I hope that this will help us move forward. I want to see him enrolled in school one day, to see him grow and learn, so that one day he can help his family and his community.”
Little Mohamed suffered an episode of acute malnutrition brought on by a severe attack of malaria that lasted a whole week. Azima remembers how the illness weakened her little boy and how his health deteriorated dramatically. Unfortunately, he is not the only one: according to the United Nations, by the summer of 2023, almost 3 million people in Niger could find themselves with severe levels of acute food insecurity.
"Even if things remain difficult for everyone, we are not to be pitied compared with other families. Today, difficulties due to the rising cost of basic necessities and low agricultural production are increasing the risks for households and can also increase the risk of malnutrition in children," explains Azima.
Stimulation therapy is provided by HI to support the development of children who have suffered the consequences of malnutrition. Play is a therapeutic tool that allows physiotherapists to stimulate the children's interest and encourages them to perform movements to help their physical and psychomotor development.
