Fanika's story

In June 2024, we had the chance to visit the Indian state of Gujarat, witnessing our programme with Action Against Hunger and UBS Optimum Foundation in action. The programme supports the Government of Gujarat’s nutrition systems and services – working side-by-side to create sustainable change. The team at Action Against Hunger introduced us to many families who had benefitted from the programme during our time in India. On one of these visits, we met Fanika Panchal.

On meeting Fanika, you could see she was the most natural and devoted mother to her daughter Chandni. Fanika expressed that her deep concern for her daughter’s wellbeing stems from the enormously traumatic loss of her first child, just 22 days after she had given birth. Naturally when Fanika got pregnant again, she was incredibly anxious, through fear she might lose another baby.

Fanika’s first contact with the programme was through a mothers’ meeting led by Action Against Hunger’s frontline workers. One of those leading the session was Bhumika, who has been trained in identifying underweight and amaemic mothers. She quickly recognised Fanika as needing more direct support, as Fanika’s weight during her first trimester was measured at just 32kg and her haemoglobin level was incredibly low, putting her in the high-risk anaemic category. Fanika was also experiencing many adverse effects because of her low weight and iron levels, such as tiredness and mood swings, that were affecting her quality of life. 

I was having a lot of problems; I was getting dizzy. But I was also getting angry, I didn't feel like doing any work.

Fanika explained

Fanika was counselled by a trained social health worker, who gave her information on a healthy balanced diet and provided her medicine to help improve her haemoglobin levels. Initially Fanika did not immediately gain weight, which distressed her greatly.

My weight [was] not increasing. I [was] worried.

She confided in front line worker Bhumika, who was on hand to support and to encourage Fanika to carry on following the diet.

She recalled how Bhumika had explained;

You should eat these things, vegetables, even if you don't like them. But eat them with your eyes closed for your child.

Fanika’s weight and haemoglobin levels eventually increased by the time Chandni was born.

However, Chandni was born underweight at just 1.9kg. Once again, the health workers were on hand to offer support and guidance,

So then they explained to me to do kangaroo mother care… with that, my baby's weight increased.

For the next six months the team conducted many follow-up visits, providing support on the importance of continued breastfeeding, complementary feeding and Fanika’s own diet. Fanika’s gratitude was clear to see. She continually thanked the front-line workers who provided support throughout her pregnancy and after giving birth, she ended by saying;

my child is alive because of all of you.

Fanika’s story demonstrates huge strides made in the State, you can read more about our programme and progress made so far here.