Recovery from Severe Acute Malnutrition in a Child with Congenital Anorectal Malformation
Child’s Name: Keyhan
Father’s Name: Ghafur
Age: 9 months
Village: Gavshakh
Health Facility: Char-Aspaan Sub-Health Center, Shahristan District, Daikundi Province
Health Worker: Aziza Negarish
Date Enrolled in Program: 10–7–1404
Background
Keyhan, a 9-month-old infant from Gavshakh village, was admitted to the health center with severe acute malnutrition. He was born with a congenital anorectal malformation and had previously undergone surgery, with bowel contents being evacuated through an opening in the abdomen. Doctors advised that corrective surgery to reconstruct the anus would only be possible once he reached 8 kg.
Interventions
Keyhan was enrolled in the CMAM program for 62 days. During this period, Aziza Negarish provided:
- Regular health and nutritional assessments
- Therapeutic feeding (RUTF)
- Counseling and guidance for the mother
- Close follow-up to monitor weight gain and recovery
Outcome
After 62 days, Keyhan showed remarkable improvement:
- Weight: increased from 6.5 kg to 8.8 kg
- MUAC: from 11.4 cm to 12.8 cm
- Z-Score: improved from –3 SD to above +1 SD
Keyhan successfully recovered from severe acute malnutrition and now meets the weight requirement for his second corrective surgery.
Significance
This case highlights the life-saving impact of community-based nutritional interventions and the dedication of health workers like Aziza Negarish, whose skill and commitment transformed the life of a vulnerable child and his family.
