The ”la Caixa” Foundation and UNHCR have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership to support refugee communities in Ethiopia, one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting countries. As part of this renewed collaboration, the ”la Caixa” Foundation will continue its support for the Moments of Motherhood (MOM) Project, a flagship initiative that has significantly improved health outcomes for refugee mothers and children since its launch in 2017.
The MOM Project is a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing maternal and child health among refugee populations in Ethiopia. It implements effective nutrition and health strategies across humanitarian sectors, addressing severe acute malnutrition through innovative approaches such as training mothers in early detection, engaging communities in nutritional care, and deploying digital tools for monitoring and evaluation.
Operating in a region affected by prolonged drought and rising refugee arrivals from conflict- and famine-stricken areas like South Sudan and Somalia, the MOM Project addresses urgent humanitarian needs. Each year, over 200,000 people, primarily mothers and children, benefit from the program. Since its inception, the initiative has reached more than 1.7 million people in refugee camps in Gambella and Melkadida-Dollo Ado, achieving remarkable results, including a 92% recovery rate for children treated for malnutrition, a 50% reduction in severe acute malnutrition, and a 29% drop in infant mortality.
The project offers holistic interventions to improve nutrition and early childhood development, including cash-based assistance for food purchases, safe spaces for parents to learn about breastfeeding and infant care, community awareness campaigns, cooking workshops, home gardening support, nutritional centers for malnutrition prevention and treatment, and baby-friendly spaces that promote cognitive development through play and learning.
For participating mothers like Nyajouk Chany from the Tierkidi refugee camp, the MOM Project has been transformative. She credits the program with improving her baby’s health and providing her with knowledge and skills to support her family’s nutrition and generate income through agriculture. The initiative empowers mothers to achieve self-sufficiency while ensuring their children’s well-being.
UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements described the collaboration as transformative, emphasizing the impact of private sector and humanitarian partnerships. The ”la Caixa” Foundation, UNHCR’s longest-standing private sector partner in Spain, has supported the MOM Project since its inception, highlighting its commitment to improving the lives of refugee children through innovative solutions.
Ethiopia currently hosts over 1 million refugees, mostly women and children, who face heightened risks during pregnancy and early childhood. The MOM Project addresses these challenges by providing essential health, nutrition, and livelihood support, reinforcing the importance of community-focused interventions in humanitarian contexts.
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