From Fragile Beginnings to Growing Stronger Together, Towards a Brighter Future

In the small village of Mewura, Hashenge Kebelle, Ofla Woreda, in Ethiopia, two little sisters were growing up side by side. Mahlet and Mekdes were twins, born together and sharing the same little world. But at just 11 months old, their journey took a difficult turn. Both girls had been suffering from complicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) for several months, leaving them weak, unwell, and in need of urgent care.

Their mother, Alemtsehay Tsegay Derebew, had been encouraged by Health Extension Workers (HEWs) to take her daughters for treatment. Yet she and her husband were initially hesitant. Alemtsehay did not fully understand the signs of malnutrition or the seriousness of her daughters’ condition.

Then came a turning point.

With support from the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), MCMDO was implementing WASH and Mobile Health and Nutrition Team activities in Ofla Woreda. As part of the intervention, mothers were trained in Family Mid Upper Arm Circumference (Family MUAC) screening, and Mother to Mother Support Groups (M2MSGs) were established in the community.

Alemtsehay was invited by mothers trained in Family MUAC screening to join an M2MSG in her community. She joined voluntarily and participated actively. For three consecutive weeks, MCMDO’s Mobile Health and Nutrition Team (MHNT) provided education on malnutrition, its signs and symptoms, prevention, and available treatment services.

The conversations changed the way Alemtsehay understood her daughters’ condition. She came to recognize what she had previously misunderstood and, most importantly, understood the importance of seeking treatment without delay.

She took Mahlet and Mekdes to Hashenge Health Center, where trained health professionals admitted both girls to the Stabilization Center (SC). At admission, Mahlet weighed 6.0 kilograms with a Mid Upper Arm Circumference of 9.2 centimeters, while Mekdes weighed 6.7 kilograms with a Mid Upper Arm Circumference of 9.4 centimeters. Both girls were suffering from severe diarrhea, poor appetite, and complicated SAM.

With treatment, care, and continued support, the twins began to recover. Their diarrhea resolved within three days, and their appetite improved after four days. Following stabilization, they continued their nutritional rehabilitation through the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) at Mewura.

After 50 days of follow up through the OTP, Mahlet had reached 8.2 kg and Mekdes 8.9 kg, with MUAC measurements of 13.0 cm and 13.5 cm respectively. Both girls met the required recovery criteria and were discharged from the programme as recovered.

Today, their story looks very different.

The Mother-to-Mother Support Group gave me knowledge I did not have before. It changed the way I understood my children’s condition and changed the way I cared for them. I learned what to look for and why seeking treatment early is important. I am so happy now to see my twins healthy, happy, laughing and playing together. I am very grateful for what I learned from the group.
Alemtsehay Tsegay Derebew, mother of Mahlet and Mekdes

From two fragile little girls to healthy, happy sisters, Mahlet and Mekdes’ journey is a powerful reminder that knowledge can inspire action, action can save lives, and with the right support, even the most fragile beginnings can lead to a brighter future.

With the support of the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund (EHF), MCMDO continues to bring lifesaving health and nutrition services closer to vulnerable children and families.

Alemtsehay with her twin daughters, Mahlet and Mekdes, and their elder sister at their home.