Tomasa is a ten-month-old baby from rural Guatemala. She is the second child in her family. Her father is a construction worker, while her mother takes care of the household.
Tomasa has malnutrition, a dangerous condition that results from consuming too little protein, calories, and nutrients. In the short term, malnutrition means Tomasa has little energy to grow and that her immune system is weak. She 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 Tomasa recover. She will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children her age, and her immune system will grow stronger with the increased caloric intake. Community health workers will teach her mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet with limited resources.
Our medical partner, Wuqu' Kawoq, is requesting $492 to fund the treatment, which will begin on March 13. With the proper care, Tomasa will grow into a healthy young girl.
Tomasa’s mother says, “We hope for our daughter to grow up and one day become a doctor.”