By Baraka John
A father in Yambio is appealing for help after his newborn triplets were left without enough milk, raising fears for their health and survival.
The babies were born on March 3 at Yambio State Hospital, but since birth, they have struggled to receive adequate nutrition.
Their father, Stephen Rasas, said the infants have relied on a small amount of their mother’s breast milk and occasional donations of powdered milk, which have not been enough to sustain the three babies.
According to Rasas, two well-wishers initially donated 500 grams of powdered milk shortly after the delivery. However, the supply quickly ran out, leaving the family with no reliable source of food for the newborns.
In an attempt to support his children, Rasas said he traveled to his farm to collect produce to sell. The small amount of money he raised allowed him to buy just 250 grams of powdered milk, which was exhausted on March 20.
“Since then, the babies have been relying only on their mother’s breast milk, which is not enough for the three of them,” he said. “I am appealing to well-wishers to come and help us during this difficult time,” Rasas said. “I cannot manage this situation alone.”
Rasas said the infants have since developed persistent diarrhea, further weakening their already fragile condition. The triplets are currently staying at the Yambio state hospital, where the family says they have not received consistent support.
The father described the situation as overwhelming, particularly amid the country’s difficult economic conditions.
He added that while he remains at the hospital caring for the triplets, the children he left at home are also facing food shortages.
The baby’s mother, Mariam Stephen Rasas, said the situation has taken a heavy toll on her physical and emotional health.
“I cannot sleep because the babies are always crying from lack of milk,” she said. “My body is exhausted, and I am losing energy. There is no nutritious food or vitamins to help increase my breast milk. Now that the powdered milk has finished, I don’t know what will happen.”
Medical workers say the mother also requires additional care after losing significant blood during childbirth to help stabilize her condition.
Midwife Nako Rose said the mother, medically described as gravida nine, para eight, arrived at the hospital in active labor.