Belly Signals ...

In rural areas of Malawi and other regions of the world with extreme poverty, children often exhibit swollen and extended areas of their body that stand in strong contrast to their lack of access to food and thin body frame.

This young girl presents a typical case.  Her name is Violet White.  

She is two years and eight months old.

As you can see, her ribs are visible.  Yet, she holds many signs of malnutrition and her mid section is quite full and puffy.  

She receives treatment at a temporary health care site named "Chamba."

I met Violet under a large mango tree near several tables and bench that are used as a outdoor medical office.  

Nurses and two doctors from Project Peanut Butter arrive once a week at the same time, on the same day of the week to offer support.  

Village health care workers from ten to fifteen miles away are paid a stipend to encourage children in crisis to travel to this location.  These village health care workers (HSAs) maintain active contact in almost all villages across the country side.

During "Hunger Season," hundreds of mothers and children walk for hours with their young children to attend each clinic. 

For the last three months, Violet's mother, Magret, received "Chiponde" to use as medicine for Violet's moderate malnutrition.

Fortunately, Violet appears to be recovering, but her progress is slow.  

In this case, Violet's stomach area appears to be swollen by a number of health factors.  

Parasites may be part of the story.  In many rural villages, clean water is a challenge.  Food is often stored in less than ideal circumstances.  As you might guess, broad education about health and hygene is still a "work in progress."  

For Violet, a recent severe case of Malaria may have caused the spleen and other organs to swell, which extends the stomach and groin. 

Sometimes, when a child's body is very weak, their muscles lose the capacity to tightly hold the organs within the chest and stomach area.  One of the doctors feels Violet may suffer from this challenge as well.

In a few weeks to a month, the annual harvest will take place throughout Malawi.  This will be a promising transition for Violet.  Food will suddenly be more prevalent.  

With further medical care, improved nutrition, and good fortune, her health holds promise.

From my short time with her, I sensed both sadness and hope.  It is encouraging to imagine her as an energetic and vibrant little girl.  

This is a future to wish for.