Carlos is a toddler who has malnutrition. Because of his malnutrition, Carlos has little energy to run around like other children of his age, and he also has a weakened immune system. If this ensues without treatment, this may cause Carlos to have increased risk of chronic diseases, low IQ, and higher likelihood of dropping out of school.
Carlos lives with his mother, brother, and extended family in his grandparent’s house in rural Guatemala. He likes to play with toy cars. Since he was born, Carlos has had a lot of difficulty gaining and maintaining weight. Two months ago, Carlos started to experience episodes of seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. He spent a month in a specialty in-patient malnutrition recuperation clinic. After he left the recuperation center, our medical partner’s community health workers have been monitoring Carlos’s health closely. With the help from nutritionists, he will hopefully regain his vitality and grow taller to catch up with other children his age. Community health workers will also teach his mother about creating a nutrient-rich and balanced diet with resources that they have so as to support Carlos’s growth.
In order to ensure Carlos is well-nourished, he needs continued nutritional supplementation and medical support. His mother’s limited income puts treatment for Carlos’s malnutrition out of his family’s economic reach without outside help. Our medical partner is requesting $437 to fund Carlos’ nutrition supplementation. He will begin treatment on January 12.
