HFH board member, Donn Raymond, works closely with the Medika Mamba program in Terre Blanche and wrote this update:
The Medika Mamba program addresses childhood malnutrition and is important to the ministry. It truly is lifesaving to young children who are most vulnerable to the conditions that lead to malnutrition.
But what happens when Medika Mamba is suddenly not available?
In early April, we learned the supplier, in Cap Haitien, had no Medika Mamba available. As our supplies on hand fell low, I searched the internet, found a recipe and immediately relayed the information to Pastor Delamy . . . this is the American way.
Pastor Delamy thanked me for my concern and hard work. He then shared an alternate solution, one that could be prepared in homes without electricity. His solution would meet the needs of malnourished children and would fit into the reality of the current conditions in Haiti . . . this is the Haitian way.
One week later, three Rally Posts were held to educate parents from six communities. When the training was done, parents went home with supplies and the knowledge to prepare the food at home. The Haitian solution included real food (rice, beans, fish protein, corn meal, powder milk and vegetable oil), freshly prepared and served promptly. Real food made fresh!
The Medika Mamba protein is a less expensive and easier way to treat malnourished children. However, the solution that Delamy and his team came up with in such a short time was truly lifesaving in this dire situation.
As I reflected on this example of the Haitian way, one of HFH’s Core Values came to mind:
- Participatory Learning – We collaborate with our Haitian partners in the spirit of mutual learning. We use participatory processes in all our work.
Note: The supplies for Medika Mamba are anticipated to be available mid-June.
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