Two-year-old Paul lives with his three siblings and his parents in Guatemala.
“He loves to play with a toy motorcycle given to him by his brother,” shares our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “When his brother wants to play with the motorcycle, Paul hits him with it and cries--he is not very good at sharing yet.”
Due to acute malnutrition, “Paul has diarrhea, and his height and weight are far below the average for his age," WK says. “This level of stunting we believe is an indicator that his mental development is stunted as well. Without intervention, he will face the negative long-term effects of malnutrition. His physical and mental development and growth will be stunted and he will be at higher risk of chronic diseases later in life.”
For $535, Paul will receive treatment for acute malnutrition. Over a 90-day period, he will be given nutrient-rich food supplements, gradually returning him to healthy nutrition levels. He will also receive deworming medication to protect him against infection throughout his treatment.
Paul’s parents will receive intensive nutritional education to better care for their children. “Intensive nutrition education will benefit not only Paul, but his three other siblings, as his parents will have the educational tools necessary to prepare nutritious meals for all their children and be able to recognize the signs of malnutrition in the future.”
In addition to rebalancing his diet, this treatment will also bolster Paul’s weakened immune system and prevent the long-term effects of malnutrition.
“We are so happy that WK and Watsi want to help us, we trust that with your help our son will recuperate soon,” shares Paul’s mother.