In areas where food insecurity is common, ensuring proper nutrition for mothers and children is especially critical. To address this need, World Renew worked with the CCAP Public Health Department to lead a maternal and child health program in vulnerable villages. One of those places is Chiguwo village in Malawi, where Lufina lives in what is now a model household for the project.

Lufina began participating in the health program while pregnant with her now 9-month-old infant. With the volunteers, she discussed topics like breastfeeding and dietary diversification for her child. To ensure that mothers like Lufina not only knew about, but had access to nutritious foods, the program helped establish gardens across the village—an immediate blessing for Lufina. “This is dry season, but unlike before, I can now easily access fresh vegetables in the backyard.” Before the program began, only 12 percent of families in the village had gardens; now, 72 percent of families can get fresh vegetables and even chicken eggs in their backyards.

Lufina’s baby is now growing up healthily, evidenced by growth monitoring sessions supported by project volunteers. Being able to feed her children nutritious food and watch her baby grow up without health issues is a relief for Lufina. “I am happy that my child is healthy, which lets me concentrate on other important chores.” She and her husband are grateful for the positive impact that the program has had in their family and community alike.

We invite you to celebrate Maternal and Child Health Sunday with World Renew on May 9th. Please consider a gift to the Maternal and Child Health program that helps mothers like Lufina to experience God’s love reflected in their healthy and thriving children.