Juan is a 12-month-old boy from Guatemala, but he is only the size of a healthy four-month-old. His parents cannot afford foods rich in calories, protein, and nutrients. He has been diagnosed with acute malnutrition. This means he has little energy to grow, and his immune system is weak and vulnerable to illness. He is also at risk of chronic disease and delayed development. Fortunately, Juan began malnutrition treatment on November 24, 2016. Juan loves to play with toy cars or stuffed animals with his sister. His favorite foods are eggs and watermelon. He lives with his family in a one-room adobe house with a tin roof. His father works as a day laborer on a bean plantation, and he has difficulty providing for the family. He cannot afford his son's $512 treatment. While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation will help Juan recover. He will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children his age, and his immune system will grow stronger. Community health workers will teach his mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet from limited resources. Treatment will give Juan a chance to grow healthy and strong.

“Melani is a happy child,” shares our medical partner in Guatemala, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Whenever there is music playing she always smiles and starts to dance and sing along." Though she is very happy, 2-year-old Melani is currently dealing with the effects of acute malnutrition, and could suffer long-term consequences as a result. “She is far below the average weight for her age and has been having regular bouts of diarrhea,” explains WK. Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of malnutrition in the world, and it is very common in Melani's community. Because of this, Melani's parents thought she was growing normally. Melani’s family lives in an adobe house, where her five-year-old brother stays home to care for her while their parents work. Despite their efforts, they are unable to provide enough nutritious food for their children. Without intervention, Melani faces decreased physical and mental development, increased risk of chronic diseases, and lower economic performance in adulthood. $535 will allow Melani to receive the care she needs. “She will receive micronutrient and food supplementation, and her mother will participate in intensive nutrition education that will allow her to spend their money more wisely on high quality food options,” WK explains. These funds will also cover treatment for Melani's immediate symptoms like diarrhea. Over the long-term, Melani will recoup her lost weight and height, and build a strong immune system to help her lead a healthy life and keep dancing.