Walfred is a baby boy who lives with his family in Guatemala. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), tells us, “When we visited Walfred at his house, he was suffering from chronic diarrhea and a cough. His mother knew he was not growing well and was extremely happy when we arrived because her neighbor had mentioned that we could be of help.”
“When we weighed and measured Walfred, it became apparent that he is suffering from acute malnutrition,” WK reports. “Walfred’s mom was embarrassed to tell us that she has been feeding him diluted powdered cow’s milk and sugar water. She told us that she didn’t know what else do when she realized she was unable to produce breast milk, and they didn’t have enough money to afford formula.”
Walfred’s family does not have easy access to clean water, so not only is Walfred not receiving sufficient nutrients and antibodies, but he also has a parasitic infection.
WK elaborates, “Walfred is the youngest of 10 children. His father is a sharecropper and does not own land. He has been worried about providing for his family for a long time, and is extremely happy to start working with us. Walfred’s siblings love him, and like to carry him on their backs while they do other chores around the house. The family is well known and respected in the community.”
With $1,220 in funding, WK will provide nutrition education, formula supplementation, and deworming medication for Walfred and his mother.
WK reports, “Treating lactation failure is easy and effective. Formula supplementation promotes normal physical and mental development and gives the child the chance to reach their full growth potential. Nutrition education provides the mother with the skills she needs to ensure her child’s healthy growth and development.”
Walfred’s mother shares, “I am so thankful that you sought me out.” Let’s help Walfred regain his health and reach his developmental milestones!
