By Ernestina Esinam Glikpo, Communications Manager
When 24-year-old Ernestina gave birth to her daughter, Luciana, on June 1, 2023, she welcomed her with hope and determination. Luciana weighed 2.7 kg (6Ibs) at birth, with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of 12.3 cm (indicating a healthy weight).
MUAC tapes are used to measure the upper arm circumference of children, helping identify malnutrition. Infants under six months of age are measured with a special Mother-Infant MUAC tape. The MUAC tape for infants and children six months to five years old is color-coded to show the severity of malnutrition:
As Luciana approached her second birthday, her growth faltered. She was diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), a life-threatening condition that affects millions of children worldwide.
For Ernestina, the fear was overwhelming.
Through Self-Help International’s nutrition program in the Vingving community in Ghana’s Upper West Region, Luciana was enrolled in a structured recovery plan at 1 year and 11 months old. Every two weeks, Ernestina received two 800g (1.76 lbs) packs of Tombrown, a fortified nutrient-dense food supplement, and 15 fresh eggs to strengthen her daughter’s diet.
The Self-Help International team also delivered hands-on nutrition education and demonstrated how to prepare affordable, nutrient-rich meals using locally available foods. Ernestina quickly applied what she learned. She now prepares nourishing Tombrown porridge and aprapransa (a local dish) fortified with added nutrients to fuel her daughter’s recovery.
By November 2025, the results were clear and measurable: Luciana weighs 10kg (26Ibs), stands 87 centimeters (34.25 inches) tall, and her MUAC has increased to 13.5 cm, a powerful sign of recovery and healthy growth.
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