Switzerland
A miracle tree
04.11.2010- In just three weeks, thanks to the nutritious Moringa leaves, baby Marius grew strong enough to undergo cleft lip surgery onboard the Africa Mercy, which ultimately saved his life.
After only three weeks...
Marius after his cleft palate surgery on board the Africa Mercy
The Food for Life agricultural training center in Benin
Thousands of years ago in India, the Moringa tree was discovered and put to use. This tree grows rapidly and naturally in West Africa. Its leaves provide a solid food supplement which gives enough nutrients for survival.
This year the Moringa powder was used for the first time in the Infant Feeding Program onboard the ship. Baby Marius was malnourished due to a cleft lip. To prepare him to be strong enough for surgery, he was fed exclusively with Moringa powder for three weeks, which allowed him to be strong enough to undergo the needed operation.
The Mercy Ships Food for Life agricultural program has been growing Moringa trees for the past six years. This amazing tree has been credited with bringing significant benefits to overall health. For this reason, it is referred to as the “Miracle Tree” in many parts of the world!
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Visit the Food for Life training center in Benin during the graduation ceremony of agricultural students:
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