IGF’s Children’s Medical Centre currently has 13 infants and toddlers under their care. Among the newest additions are:
Baby Amarorwot Elizabeth was abandoned by her mother at 2 weeks old, in late July. Her grandmother fed her on sugar mixed with water, and then cow’s milk, to keep her alive in the village for a week until she came to IGF. Elizabeth is now feeding on infant formula at IGF’s Children’s Medical Centre.
Elizabeth’s mother has still not been found, and her father has since moved to live with a co-wife. Her grandmother has stayed at IGF to look after Elizabeth, but its challenging for her. She has left another 6 children behind in the village to look after themselves, the eldest only 16 years. Baby Elizabeth is growing well.
Twin girls, Gifty and Patience were born in Kitgum to a HIV+ mother. At 3 months old they came to IGF to start on the nutritional feeding program as their mother is unable to safely breastfeed them. Both girls were underweight when they arrived in late September, but are growing well. It is not yet known if the twins have been infected with HIV, but it is possible for a HIV+ mother to safely give birth to HIV-free babies. In some cases the virus is passed from mother to baby while breastfeeding. IGF intervenes and supports by providing infant formula, and provides counselling and directions on how to care for a baby in a way that reduces the risk of transmitting the HIV virus. The twins will be tested for the HIV virus a number of times over the coming months and years.
Baby Lakica weighed only 2kg at 1 month old, she was malnourished and underweight. Lakica’s 19 year old mother was emotionally distraught when her husband left after she gave birth. It impacted her ability to produce milk to feed her new born baby. Lakica has been supported with infant formula since she arrived at IGF with her mum in mid-September, where they are both progressing well.
Anon Rwotomiya was only 3 weeks old when his mother abandoned him. He was rescued by Police child protection officer and brought to receive care and love at IGF, while the family problems are resolved. His mother came forward a few days later and received counselling before being reunited with her son and taking him home.
IGF continues to remain the primary facility in the Kitgum district receiving malnourished and at-risk infants. Providing not only infant formula, but also clothing, bedding, and in some cases a carer, the costs of caring for each individual child can be significant. You can support by sponsoring the Children’s Medical Centre, or by donating to the purchase of formula milk and other needs.
For more information or to donate, visit IGF Childrens’ Medical Centre
