Carlos is an eight-month-old baby who lives with his parents and sister in rural Guatemala. He likes to play with his rattle and eat papaya. His mother weaves and sells fruit in front of their house to earn money, while his father works in agriculture.
Carlos has been diagnosed with malnutrition. In the short term, malnutrition means that Carlos has little energy to grow and that his immune system is weak, leaving him vulnerable to illnesses. If Carlos does not receive treatment, he will 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 Carlos recover. He will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children his age. Furthermore, his immune system will grow stronger with the increased caloric intake. Community health workers will teach his mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet with limited resources.
Although Carlos’s parents want the best for him, their limited income puts treatment for Carlos’s malnutrition out of his family’s economic reach. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, is requesting $437 to fund his treatment. Treatment will give him an opportunity to play and grow, supported by a healthy brain and body.

