Rose Natabo, a mother in Kakuma refugee camp, faces a dire decision. Holding her son Santo, she leaves her eldest child behind to seek medical help. The family rushes to the only hospital in the camp, a place now home due to past conflicts.

The Kakuma camp, located in Kenya’s northern desert, is overwhelmed by recent ration cuts from the World Food Program (WFP). These cuts, resulting from U.S. funding reductions, have left thousands like Rose desperate. Many parents, aware but powerless, watch their children grow weaker. Officials argue that reforms must come with some disruption, leaving families in limbo.

Rose clings to Santo while hospital staff try to ease his severe malnutrition. His condition is critical, and the nurses fight to stabilize him. The relentless environment of the camp means other children face similar fates; some don’t survive.

The swelling abates after a few days, but the little boy shrinks to 14 pounds and disappears into a loose, unstrapped onesie meant for a 9-month-old.

Her other son, James, recovers from malaria but is still weak. Rose sends him home to join his brother, Lino, without knowing when more food might come. She stays with Santo, waiting anxiously for signs of improvement.

Every day brings new challenges and decisions. Rose, pregnant and struggling with her health, lies to doctors to avoid further complications. Her anemia is severe, risking her unborn child’s health. The lack of food exacerbates illnesses faced by many pregnant women in the camp.

After a month at the hospital, Rose reaches a breaking point. Fear for her other children at home drives her to demand discharge, despite the risks. She and Santo return to find James and Lino eagerly awaiting them, though visibly malnourished themselves.

He has a bad cough. Desperately hungry, Lino licks the wrapper of a nutritional supplement that his younger brother has eaten.

Despite their feeble condition, Rose’s boys cling to each other, providing strength and comfort. The walk home is arduous as Rose contemplates returning to South Sudan, considering the desolate circumstances in the camp.

As August turns into September, aid remains sparse. Rose joins a crowd seeking help from the Red Cross. Her sons are deemed malnourished, yet supplies have dwindled.

Months later, Rose gives birth to a girl named Sunday. Challenges persist as her boys’ health declines. Despite some aid resumption, essentials remain scarce. Eventually, Santo’s condition worsens. Fearful of exposing her newborn to potential infection, Rose delays another hospital visit.

When finally returning with Santo in November, it is too late to save him. Two weeks later, he passes away. The loss adds to the heartbreaking struggles Rose faces daily in Kakuma.