While the world continues to operate through lockdown, Open Arms Infant Homes continue to work hard to provide the vital services that children in our care require.
Of course, in lockdown, our operating procedures are very different, but our commitment to supporting a child's right to survival and development by providing life-changing care remains stronger than ever.
Since March this year, we've continued to welcome babies for vital care. The stories below are just some of the lives you're supporting.
Meet Managochi twins Atupele and Chisomo!
New to the lockdown family are twins Atupele and Chisomo Samu. Born on 27th March 2020 in Mpaliro Village, the twins first came to us in July after spending some time in hospital for malnutrition.
Currently, five months old, when Aputele and Chisomo came to us, they were severely malnourished, and at this stage and so early in their development, their mother could no longer provide the care the twins needed due to her own health problems.
Open Arms is currently providing the safe and secure environment that the twins need. With our team's help, the twins will grow fast and soon become fit enough to return to their wider family one day, where we can provide ongoing support at home.
Giving Judith the right to survival
We welcomed Judith Meya to Blantyre House on 21st May 2020, weighing 6lbs 8oz.
Born on 17th December 2019, Judith came to Open Arms very sickly and malnourished, after receiving treatment in Zomba Central Hospital for mouth wounds and eye infection in her right eye.
Judith is currently being looked after in our isolation area within Blantyre Infant Home to help keep her and others safe.
Judith is slowly starting to settle but eating is still difficult, she is gradually gaining weight and is looking so much healthier and has become much more eager to feed!
Help when help is needed
Ibrahim Awali from Mtundu village was born on 16th April 2020, a healthy baby boy. Unfortunately, Ibrahim's mother died on the 24th April, and Ibrahim was brought to Open Arms by his father and his grandmothers, as they had no financial means to look after a small baby and provide him with the vital care that he needs while he is so young.
Shukarani also came to Mangochi Infant Home in April. After working with Shukarani's relatives and the social welfare officer in Mangochi, Shukarani was placed into our care to allow us to provide the medical assistance needed to give him the best possible chance at life.
Both Ibrahim and Shukarani will stay with Open Arms, where they will be looked after, provided with shelter, nutritious meals, medical support and love from friends, until they are ready to return to their extended families through our outreach programme.
Can you help?
Without the experienced and dedicated team working tirelessly at our Open Arms Infant Homes and the care and vital support available, all of the children, Atupele, Chisomo, Judith, Ibrahim, and Shukarani, would have been unlikely to survive and would certainly not be able to return to their communities. The services we offer can only be provided thanks to you.
If you can help us support more children and our team during these difficult times visit www.openarmsmalawi.org/donate
Your donation will help children in Malawi grow up healthy with the love of a family
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