Nehemias is a seven-month-old baby from Guatemala’s rural highlands. He is just transitioning from formula to solid foods, and so far he loves to eat refried beans and watermelon. Nehemias’s father is a day laborer who harvests tomatoes and blackberries. His mother takes care of the family’s household and weaves traditional Mayan textiles.
Nehemias has malnutrition, a dangerous condition that results from consuming too little protein, calories, and nutrients. He is underweight and small for his age. In the short term, malnutrition means Nehemias has little energy to grow and that his immune system is weak. He may also face malnutrition’s long-term consequences, such as increased risk of chronic diseases, low IQ, and higher likelihood of dropping out of school.
While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation will help Nehemias recover. He will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children his age, and his immune system will grow stronger with the increased caloric intake. Community health workers will teach his mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet with limited resources.
Nehemias’s family cannot afford treatment. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $492. He is scheduled to begin treatment on March 13.
Nehemias’s mother says, “I am thankful to the institution and the people who care for each of our families without knowing us so that our children can get better.”
