Spirulina for malnourished Children in Ethiopia

by alignAfrica
Spirulina for malnourished Children in Ethiopia

Project Report | May 7, 2025
Spirulina Sparks New Hope for Displaced Families

By Yonas Mamo | Executive Director, alignAfrica

In communities uprooted by conflict and hardship, something as small as a spoonful of Spirulina can mean the world.

At alignAfrica, we’ve been working closely with families living in two displacement sites in Debre Birhan, Amhara Region, to help tackle malnutrition among children and mothers. Our goal is simple but powerful: provide Spirulina, a natural and nutrient-rich supplement, to those who need it most—especially children between the ages of 8 and 17, and pregnant or lactating mothers who are struggling to get the nutrition they need.

What We’ve Been Doing:

Over the past few months, we’ve distributed Spirulina to 52 children and 18 mothers. The impact is already being felt:

  • Local health workers are doing follow-ups, checking on the children’s and mothers’ health.

  • We’ve hosted community sessions to talk about what Spirulina is, why it matters, and how it supports growth, immunity, and overall well-being.

  • We’ve built connections with nearby health centers so our efforts complement existing services, not replace them.

Stories That Keep Us Going:

Meron, age 12, was constantly tired, missing school, and struggling to focus. A few weeks into the Spirulina program, her teachers noticed the difference—she’s more alert, more active, and eager to learn again.

Rahel, a 29-year-old mother, had trouble feeding her newborn because of poor nutrition and exhaustion. After taking Spirulina daily, she told us, "I feel stronger. I’m not always sick. My baby is doing better too."

These stories remind us why this work matters.

What’s Holding Us Back:

We’ve made meaningful progress, but it hasn’t been easy.

  1. Getting the supplements to the people is hard. Some of these areas are remote, and roads aren’t always accessible. We're doing our best, but we need better infrastructure and resources.

  2. Funding hasn’t come through like we hoped. We’ve tried to raise money from individuals and corporate donors, but it's been tough. Without steady support, we can't expand this program to the many other families who are waiting.

A Heartfelt Request:

We know that times are hard for many, but if you’re able to give—even a little—it can make a huge difference. Your support can help a child stay in school, help a mother carry a healthy pregnancy, and help a family see a future beyond displacement.

Whether you’re an individual donor, a business owner, or someone who cares—we invite you to join us.

Support. Share. Stand with us.
Together, we can nourish hope, one family at a time.

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Organization Information

alignAfrica

Location: Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa/Asmara Street - Ethiopia
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @align_africa
Project Leader:
first4290492 last4290492
United States

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