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Image by isafmedia
Leama, a 3-year-ancient Afghan girl, clings to her mother’s burka while they visit the Farah Hospital Supplemental Feeding Program, Jan. 16 in Farah, Afghanistan. Leama has been enrolled in the program designed to help malnourished children gain weight and to become better able to tolerate an age-appropriate diet for four weeks now. Her mother, Maryam, says Leama has gained weight and is stronger. Leama’s sister is also in the program. After the girls are measured and weighed, Maryam will speak with the hospital staff about their progress and any shape concerns she may have previous to she receives each girls’ weekly doses of Qavi Ghiza (Pashtu for “Passionate Food”). The feeding program was initiated by the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and taken over by the Farah Hospital Oct. 31, 2009. Periodically, the PRT Medical Team visits the hospital to inventory supplies and to ensure the hospital staff is continuing to educate the Afghan parents about nutrition and diet. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tracy DeMarco)
