Only one month old, baby Roberto lives with his parents, older brother, and extended family in his grandmother’s house in rural Guatemala. His father works hard but earns little as an agricultural day laborer, and his mother takes care of the home.
Roberto’s mother has been unable to produce sufficient breast milk to nourish him—a condition known as lactational failure. She has been feeding him boiled water. This limited diet is insufficient and has dangerous implications for Roberto’s health. Lactational failure can lead to starvation, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances that cause seizures. Brain development occurring during this delicate time can also be compromised, putting Roberto at risk of long-term damage.
Roberto needs baby formula, but his parents already have difficulty providing for the everyday needs of their family. His family’s limited resources put treatment for Roberto outside of economic reach without outside intervention.
Lactation failure, while dangerous, is easy to treat. Baby formula will provide Roberto with the calories he needs to grow and thrive. One-on-one motivational education for Roberto’s mother will teach her how to create a nutritious, inexpensive diet for Roberto. Roberto’s immune system will strengthen, and he will grow to be a healthy, energetic baby.
Watsi’s medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, will formally begin his treatment on February 22. Roberto’s family needs help raising the $1,107 to pay for the nutritional support that he needs.
Roberto’s mother shares, “My desire is that he will be able to grow well, to be able to go to school to study a lot so that he can become an engineer.”