In Bar Agulu village, Siaya County, a group of ten mothers is transforming child nutrition through the Positive Deviance Hearth (PD Hearth) model, a community-based initiative rooted in local knowledge and resources. Using simple ingredients like cassava, bananas, millet, and fish, the women prepare balanced meals together while sharing knowledge and support. In just ten days, children who previously struggled to eat are now thriving—Carolyn Adhiambo’s son, for instance, gained 200 grams and has started walking.
This grassroots approach contrasts sharply with the costly treatment at hospitals like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, where treating severely malnourished children can cost up to Sh25,000. By focusing on early signs, homegrown meals, and play-based learning, PD Hearth sessions offer a sustainable, preventative solution. Backed by organizations like World Vision and CHAMPS, the model is already showing results—22 of 26 malnourished children recorded weight gain within 12 days. The mothers of Bar Agulu are proving that community-led efforts can build healthier futures for their children.
