Erick is a one-month-old from rural Guatemala. His father works at a construction site and his mother cares for the family at home. Due to his mother’s inability to produce breastmilk, Erick is already suffering from malnourishment.
Underweight and small for his age, Erick often cries from hunger. His mother can only afford warm sugar water to soothe him, however this diet has dangerous implications for Erick’s health. Lactation failure can lead to starvation, dehydration, and seizures caused by electrolyte imbalances. Brain development is compromised, and the baby is at risk of long-term damage.
In order to help stabilize Erick’s condition, our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $1,162 to fund Erick’s formal nutrition treatment. Scheduled to be administered by our medical partner’s care center, Clinic Panajachel, on June 9, this treatment entails the distribution of formula, provision of micronutrient supplements, and health education for Erick’s mother that will teach her to provide a nutritious, inexpensive diet for her son and monitor his health.
Erick’s mother says, “I am worried about my son because I do not have maternal milk.” With formula and nutritional supplements, Erick’s immune system will strengthen, and he will grow up to be a healthy, energetic baby.