The Lewa-e-Baba Jan Daycare Center (DCC), situated in PD#11 of Kabul, has been delivering essential curative and preventive nutrition services since September 2022. Operated by AADA with support from UNICEF, this center stands as a symbol of hope for vulnerable children and families in the community.
The center is operated by a devoted five-member team:
- Ms. Wahida Area, Nutrition Nurse and Center In-Charge
- Ms. Yasaman Gharibzad, Female Nutrition Promoter/Counselor
- Mr. Milad Ayoubi, Male Nutrition Promoter
- Ms. Khadija, Cleaner
- Mr. Ghazi Mohammad, Night Guard
On 14 September 2024, Ms. Khalida from Panjsher brought her 10-month-old son, Hasibullah, to the DCC. The child was severely malnourished with the following assessments:
- MUAC: 9.3 cm
- Weight: 4.9 kg
- Height: 69.7 cm
- Z-score: Below -3
He was referred immediately to the Therapeutic Feeding Unit (TFU) at the 102-Bed Hospital in Khairkhana for inpatient care. After stabilization and discharge, follow-up was reestablished by Mr. Ayoubi, who brought Hasibullah back to the DCC on 30 December 2024:
- MUAC: 12.5 cm
- Weight: 6.9 kg
- Height: 71.6 cm
- Z-score: Still <-3, but improved
He was enrolled in Outpatient SAM (OPD-SAM) care and provided with Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). His mother participated actively in nutrition education and food demonstration sessions.
Within just over a month, Hasibullah showed significant progress. Today, he is a healthy and vibrant child regularly attending Growth Monitoring and Promotion (GMP) services with Ms. Gharibzad.
“I had lost hope and believed my child would never be healthy again. But thanks to the tireless efforts of the DCC staff, my son has recovered and is thriving. We always pray for the DCC staff and AADA for the life-saving support they provided.”
– Ms. Khalida, Hasibullah’s mother
This is more than just a recovery—it is a powerful reminder of what community-based, compassionate care can achieve when driven by purpose and supported by partnerships.