A second chance for Luanga with Moringa

Luanga is an 18-month-old boy who was abandoned by his mother a few months after his father's death. By the time he arrived at Centenary Health Center's nutrition program, he was severely underweight and malnourished. The center houses a feeding program run by the Presbyterian Women and Family Department of the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK) and the Presbyterian Health Department (DPS).

The Presbyterian Health Department (DPS) of the CPK and the Presbyterian Women and Family Department (DFF) have formed a partnership to combine the health services of the health department with the feeding program of the women’s center. The goal of the partnership is to improve the conditions of life for Luanga and other vulnerable children and orphans by assuring that they receive nutritious foods, basic medical care and education or training in a vocational profession.

At first, center staff put Luanga on a special formula until he gained weight (based on a mid-arm measurement). Later they fed him a nutrient-dense soup consisting of maize, soya beans and Moringa powder. Moringa powder is made from the leaves of the Moringa tree, which are 40 percent protein — the highest protein ratio of any plant on earth. The leaves also provide calcium, iron, potassium and many vitamins, including A, C and the B vitamins. After four months at the center, Luanga was strong enough to be released into the care of his grandparents.

A woman provides children with a nutritious soup made with Moringa powder. Photo by Joy Raatz.

Center staff also taught Luanga's grandmother how to grow cassava, a plant whose leaves are used as greens. She also planted a Moringa tree given to her by the Presbyterian Women and Family Department. When the grandmother cooks greens, she adds in Moringa powder.

Now not only does Luanga remain healthy, his whole family’s health is also improving.

Please continue to pray for Luanga, his family and all of the children at the feeding centers. You can help Luanga and other vulnerable children by contributing to ECO #051674, AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Africa.