Formula and Baby WASH for the babies in Ethiopia

Dear Generous Donors,

Thanks to your generous support ,The Formula and Baby WASH for the Babies in Ethiopia project continues to make meaningful progress in safeguarding the health, nutrition, and dignity of the most vulnerable infants and young children under MHO’s rehabilitation and care program. During the reporting period, the project consistently provided life-sustaining baby formula, balanced and age-appropriate complementary nutrition, and essential Baby WASH and shelter support to 90 children between the ages of 0–5 years who are orphaned, abandoned, or otherwise deprived of parental care. These children remain among the most at risk, as they lack access to adequate food, safe shelter, consistent caregiving, and basic medical attention. Through your generous support, MHO has been able to maintain a protective and nurturing environment that addresses their urgent survival and developmental needs.

The provision of baby formula and enriched nutritional support has played a critical role in preventing acute malnutrition, strengthening immunity, and promoting healthy physical and cognitive development during the most sensitive early years of life. Regular feeding schedules, combined with improved dietary diversity for older infants and toddlers, have resulted in visible improvements in weight gain, activity levels, and overall wellbeing. For newly admitted children—many of whom arrived in fragile health conditions—the availability of immediate nutritional intervention has been life-saving. In parallel, the Baby WASH component has ensured access to safe water, child-friendly sanitation facilities, bathing services, hygiene materials, and clean sleeping spaces. These measures have significantly reduced the incidence of hygiene-related illnesses and created a safe and dignified living environment for the children.

The shelter support provided through the rehabilitation center continues to serve as a stable home for children who previously lived in extreme deprivation. Beyond meeting their basic needs, the center offers a structured routine, responsive caregiving, and early stimulation, all of which are essential for emotional security and developmental recovery. Access to basic medical follow-up and health monitoring has further strengthened the protective care system and enabled early identification and treatment of common childhood illnesses.

Despite rising costs of infant formula, food items, hygiene supplies, and medical care, the project has remained operational and effective through careful resource management and the unwavering commitment of supporters. The needs, however, remain significant, particularly as new vulnerable children continue to be admitted into the program in critical condition. Expanding the nutrition supply, strengthening health services, and improving child-friendly WASH facilities are key priorities for the coming period.

This progress has been made possible through the compassion and generosity of our donors and partners. Your support is not only saving lives but also giving orphaned and abandoned children the opportunity to grow in safety, regain their health, and experience care, love, and dignity during their earliest and most formative years. With continued partnership, MHO will be able to sustain and expand this life-saving intervention and ensure that every child under its protection receives the strong and healthy start in life that they deserve.