Witchcraft is very rampant in Nigeria. At least, some religious people will have you believe that. And who bears the brunt of it? Children who have been deemed witches by their families, because of what the pastor said or because the child is acting “abnormally”.

That was the situation of this three year old boy.

The child who couldn’t fend for himself was left for dead in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state after being branded a witch. People passed by this child and did nothing to help him.

The severely malnourished child was rescued by Anja Ringgren Lovén, who gave him water and Digestive biscuit as shown in this picture that went viral.

Anja Ringgren Lovén, the Danish founder of the African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation. She sold everything she owned and moved to Nigeria three years ago, where she found this organization, with her partner David, through which she uses education “to break superstition in Nigeria”.
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Posted by Anja Ringgren Lovén on Sunday, January 31, 2016

The boy who has been named ‘Hope’ by Anja, is currently in the hospital and is being cared for by her and treated for malnutrition and worms. He has received a blood transfusion as well.

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Posted by Anja Ringgren Lovén on Sunday, January 31, 2016

Hope is much better now, but can’t speak yet.

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Posted by Anja Ringgren Lovén on Monday, February 1, 2016

He now moves around and plays with Anja and David’s son.

When he’s sufficiently recovered, Hope will be joining other children in the orphanage run by the charitable organization.

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