In the small village of Kapamba, Zumba ward 5 in Gokwe North district, Rosemary Tshuma, a 39-year-old mother of five, sat in her home, her heart heavy with worry. Her youngest child, 10-month-old Junior Masuku, had been battling health issues since birth, frequently admitted to the Zumba Clinic due to malnutrition.
With a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement of 12.4cm in December 2024, Junior’s condition was bad. The family was in a dire situation. Kainos Masuku, Rosemary’s husband and father of the children, worked tirelessly selling mortar, pestle and cooking sticks but their meager income was barely enough to put food on the table once a day. Rosemary had tried casual labor to supplement their income, but Junior’s constant illnesses made it impossible for her to continue. The family’s diet consisted of meager portions, and they could not afford necessities like mealie meal, salt, and cooking oil.
Rosemary’s older children, Everjoy (10), Sharmaine (8), Reason (17), and Anymore (21), did their best to support their mother, but the weight of responsibility was overwhelming.
They understood the gravity of their brother’s condition and the struggles their parents faced. In the mid of these struggles came the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) funded emergency assistance project in Gokwe North targeting 12900 in the district. Rosemary was registered into the ECHO project, a voucher food assistance program that would change their lives.
Through the project they are receiving vouchers which they redeem as food commodities comprising of mealie meal, beans, kapenta, salt, sugar and cooking oil enabling them to access healthy meals.
With assistance, Rosemary can now feed Junior with nutrient-rich foods like beans and porridge with peanut butter, alongside the plumpy nut she was receiving from the clinic. The results were nothing short of miraculous. Junior’s MUAC measurement improved to 13cm, and his weight increased from 7kgs to 7.4kgs. The family’s overall health and well-being began to change.
The family could now eat three times a day, and Rosemary could access basic foods. The ECHO project had brought hope and relief on their doorstep. Rosemary expressed her gratitude saying, “Murikundigonera chero pamba pangu mufaro uzere nekuti zvinhu zvaive zvakandiomera,” which translates to “You have brought joy to my home, and I’m grateful because things were tough for me.”.
The nurses at Zumba Clinic had been instrumental in their journey, providing guidance and care. The family’s story was one of transformation, from the brink of desperation to a life of hope and possibility. With renewed optimism, the Masuku family look forward to a brighter future.