According to the WHO around 45% of deaths among children younger than five are linked to malnutrition. That is a global total of 3.1 million per year. Vulnerable populations and refugees are at the most risk, and they often fall victim to a cycle of poverty that is hard to escape from. We have been supporting pregnant women through malnutrition in northern Colombia, with a specific focus on female migrants from Venezuela. Supporting malnourished women throughout their pregnancy is already a delicate matter, and their migratory status adds a layer of complications to our work. But the women we support through our nutritional programs teach us lessons in resilience and adapting to a new life in a new country.    

Ninorkis Montiel, a migrant from Venezuela, is a single mother of two and his expecting her third child. She migrated three years ago and had to leave her dream of attending university behind. She adapted to provide for her family and now makes a living by sewing Wayuu backpacks, a craft that she has picked up and mastered in Colombia and is now teaching her daughter. Despite the struggles and the uncertainty of a life in a different country, she is now settled in Colombia with four generations of her family.  

During her second trimester her weight dropped, and she started to seek help. She was told her low weight could cause complications to her pregnancy and affect her baby, and she started being supported by Malteser International Americas through nutritional assessments and receiving regular food kits. While she has made progress and is confident in a safe birth, she will continue fostering her relationship with Malteser International Americas and utilize our medical and nutritional services until after the baby is born. The value add from our organization is long-term and aimed at developing sustainable change in the populations that we serve.  

“Receiving food kits and medical care for my malnourishment will make sure my pregnancy is smooth and my baby will be safely delivered. I am thankful to Malteser International Americas for accompanying me during my pregnancy and I will continue to use their services after the baby is born.”   

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