Korpu

Last month when Andrew, Cramer and I went to assess a new orphanage, right away we spotted Korpu. She was a textbook example of malnutrition: thin arms and legs, thin, colorless hair, and at 17 months old, she could barely balance herself sitting up, much less walk or stand alone.

We referred Korpu to Island Pediatric Hospital, where she was admitted for refeeding. After 1 week, Korpu was discharged, weighing in at 5.8 kg, or less than 13 pounds. She was placed on an NGO run feeing and weekly weighing program. Since her discharge, Korpu is much more alert and interactive. She is sitting up on her own, and last weighed in at 6.1kg. It looks like she could be an amazing success story. But, the question remains: “How did it get to this?”

The orphanage director stated that Korpu had always been a small child. Her mother is blind, and didn’t feel that she was able to care for Korpu, so when she weaned her, she left her with the orphanage. Kids between the ages of about 6 months to 2 years are at the highest risk here. They can’t get enough calories only eating once or twice a day, and while they can start to eat staple foods like rice and cassava root, these don’t provide the necessary nutrients for growing bodies. The orphanage couldn’t afford other nutritious foods like milk and beans, so Korpu became weaker and weaker.

So what is ORR’s response? We’ve placed the orphanage on our relief program, providing them with temporary, emergency food, medicines, and other essentials. But more importantly, we’re talking about nutrition, and looking at their farm and garden; seeing how the orphanage can provide all the food they need. Our hope is that we can equip them to keep the kids healthy without relying on outside assistance.