‘Post-teen Refugee Mother in Adjumani Breastfed Triplets on One Breast’
Mazira Florence, a refugee from South Sudan, had settled temporarily at Alere camp in Uganda’s Adjumani district when she conceived at 19 years old in June 2021. By March 2022, she gave birth to triplets—Hilder Mercy (1 kg), Viola Hope (1.5 kg), and Desire Jacky (2 kg)—via cesarean section at Adjumani district hospital after being referred from Alere Health Center II, where she had received antenatal care.
Upon returning to Alere, Mazira and her partner, Patrick Izakare, were in dire need of support to boost breast milk for their underweight triplets, who required exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Unfortunately, Mazira experienced breast engorgement, which caused pain and tenderness, complicating her ability to nurse the babies adequately.
Mazira, who had moved back to her mother’s house for support, received help from her mother and a local nurse, Moya Mary. However, the critical issue was ensuring sufficient breast milk for the triplets, especially with one breast swollen due to engorgement. Mazira quickly sought medical attention at Alere HCII, where she was diagnosed with breast engorgement and received appropriate treatment.
Mazira’s situation improved significantly when she was enrolled in the Management of Small and Nutrition at Risk Children below six Months and their Mothers (MAMI) program, an initiative by Action Against Hunger (ACF) funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). The program aimed to support infant and maternal nutrition and health. After receiving treatment, Mazira’s breast condition improved, and she was able to nurse her triplets from both breasts. Additionally, she received corn soy blend++ to boost her milk production.
The health intervention paid off as Mercy, Hope, and Jacky grew from their low birth weights to 4.3 kg, 4.9 kg, and 5.5 kg, respectively. The triplets are regularly taken to the health center for monitoring, and Mazira hopes to continue receiving support for their healthy development.
The Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2011 reported that 13.5% of births among mothers under 20 years were low weight, compared to 9.7% for mothers aged 20–34 and 7.9% for mothers aged 35–49. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies low birth weight (under 2.5 kg) as a significant risk factor for infant morbidity, mortality, and long-term health issues, with an estimated 30 million low birth weight babies born annually.
