“I hope his treatment will help Evans be stronger and that he will learn to walk,” shares Evans’s mother.
Two months ago, Evans was starting to take his first steps. But now, at eighteen months old, he cannot stand by himself. This is because Evans has developed severe malnutrition. He is very physically weak, and often has diarrhea—a symptom that is both caused by malnutrition, and worsens his malnourishment, as it strips his body of nutrients and hydration.
If Evans does not receive treatment soon, walking will only be the first of many developmental setbacks he could face: adults who had malnutrition in childhood tend to have lower IQs and poorer school performances than their healthy counterparts, and are also likelier to someday raise malnourished children themselves.
For $375, Evans will receive the malnutrition treatment he needs. This includes micronutrients, medications, and diagnostic tests. After ten days of inpatient treatment, Evans’ health will be stabler, and he can begin the path to recovering fully.
Evans’ mother cannot pay for her son’s hospital stay on her own. She is a subsistence farmer of corn and sorghum, and sometimes picks tea as a supplement to her income. She has contributed $1 towards Evans’s treatment, which is the most she can afford.
“I thank all of the donors and ask God to protect them,” she shares.