In Umthli A, the fight against Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) took a determined turn thanks to the persistence of frontline workers and strong community support.
During her routine monthly weighing session, Smt. Bariphylla Nongsteng, an Anganwadi worker with seven years of experience, noticed something alarming. Larimaphi Nongsteng, a one-year-one-month-old girl, weighed only 5 kg and measured 64 cm in height—well below healthy standards. What made it more striking was that her twin brother was thriving.
Initially, Larimaphi’s mother—already caring for three children—dismissed the concern, believing her daughter was fine. From March 2023, Bariphylla, along with the CDPO, Lady Supervisor, ASHA worker, and health department staff, began home visits to counsel the family. Overcoming resistance required collective action. The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, the local MLA, medical officials, and the village headman all became involved, each reinforcing the importance of treatment.
On 17 April 2023, Larimaphi was admitted to NRC Shillong. There, she received specialised nutritional therapy while her mother was trained on feeding and care practices. By her discharge on 4 May 2023, Larimaphi’s condition had improved significantly.
The follow-up process was just as crucial. Through regular monthly check-ups, her progress was closely monitored. By September 2023, Larimaphi had gained strength, weighing 6.9 kg with clear improvements in height and activity levels.
Her recovery reflects the same principles that saved Rilakyntin in Diengkynthong—early detection, persistent counselling, and a united response from multiple departments and community leaders. It also underscores an important truth: tackling malnutrition is not the work of one person or one agency, but a collective mission that begins with a single act of vigilance.