In Angola, in the heart of the municipalities of Ombadja and Cahama, health and nutrition are not just goals to be achieved, but represent a commitment that grows from the grassroots.
Doctors with Africa Cuamm knows this well, as since November 2023, it has been carrying out the “START” project, an initiative funded by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with Codespa and Adespov.
The goal is ambitious but concrete: to strengthen the nutritional status of vulnerable women and children through the empowerment of civil society and the promotion of gender equality. To date, there are already 20 Civil Society Organizations involved in a process of training and growth to become protagonists of change in their own territory.
But what does it mean, in practice, to “build community”? Telling us are the members of the youth association Amigos do bem Aja bem, who have seen firsthand the daily challenges of local healthcare. “On October 18, we were received at the Ombadjia Municipal Hospital by the municipal nutrition manager, Indira Kativa, and a team of nurses. We saw the reality of our brothers and sisters hospitalized for malnutrition. 22 children hospitalized: 14 in the Emergency Unit and 8 in Pediatrics.”
From listening, action was born. It is not just about large structural interventions, but about human closeness and daily support. The young people of the association decided not to stand by, transforming their sensitivity into tangible help for local health facilities. “After the visit, we offered our support, becoming godparents of the municipal hospital and the Okaimo maternal-infant center, to carry forward together the fight against malnutrition. We offered to take charge of basic necessities such as disposable diapers, detergent, and soap. Every seven days, we distribute soup to the patients and their families. We were well received and they motivated us to continue working for the children and their recovery.”
The fight against malnutrition is more effective thanks to the support and closeness of the community. “We will continue our commitment with faith, love, and a lot of hope. Together we are stronger. Helping others is not a burden! It is an honor,” concluded the young people of Amigos do bem.
