
UNICEF Health Officer, Dr. Khaldoun Al Assad, holds one year-old Aicha, who is recovering from severe acute malnutrition. © UNICEF Syria/2014/Esraa Khalaf
Syria, Aleppo, 23 June, 2014 – Aicha and her family fled to a shelter in Aleppo city after being displaced by fighting in the eastern part of the city. When her family took her to a nutrition clinic operated by UNICEF NGO partner Al Taalof, she had all the signs of severe acute malnutrition.
“The clinic staff reported that Aicha couldn’t stand and looked very sick,” recalled Dr. Khaldoun. “After five weeks of intensive treatment, however, Aicha gained weight and could stand by herself again.”
UNICEF provides nutrition clinics in Aleppo and other parts of Syria with high energy biscuits and fortified paste, along with specialist equipment. The clinics screen children for malnutrition and help any children who are identified as needing specialist nutrition assistance.