Meet Diego, a two-year-old baby boy from Guatemala. “Diego is the youngest of seven children, and his mother is eight months pregnant with her eighth child,” reports our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “His father works as a tractor driver on a large farm, while his mother takes care of the household, washing clothes and cooking.”
“While all of Diego’s siblings are in school, his parents have a hard time affording study materials, uniforms, and proper nutritious food,” continues WK. “His parents value education and are trying to give all of their children the chance to study and graduate from school, but admit it is extremely difficult to ensure each child’s future at this time.”
Diego has acute malnutrition, marked by a below average weight for his height. “Without intervention, Diego will continue to not receive the nutrition and calories needed to thrive, his height will continue to not improve, and his weight will decline,” explains WK. “Diego will suffer from limited mental growth and a weakened immune system, consequently leading to fatigue, decreased ability to concentrate and learn, and limited long-term success.”
For $535, Diego can be fully treated for acute malnutrition. This includes food supplementation, micronutrient support, travel/lodging, laboratory studies, medications, and several sessions with a nutritionist.
“Micronutrient and food supplementation will increase his vitamin, mineral, and overall caloric intake, while deworming medication will rid him of any potential parasitic infections and allow him to digest and absorb vital nutrients,” explains WK. “Diego’s immune system will strengthen and he will avoid the devastating long-term effects of malnutrition, such as increased risk of chronic disease, decreased performance in school, and lower economic productivity later in life.”
“This treatment will give Diego’s family the tools they need to help him thrive,” continues WK. “Intensive nutrition education will benefit not only Diego, but also his seven and soon to be eight other siblings, as his parents will have the educational tools necessary to prepare nutritious meals for all their children and be able to recognize signs of malnutrition in the future.”
“I love my children and want them to do well, but sometimes I am overwhelmed by how many I am responsible for,” says Diego’s mother. “And now with this next little one on the way, I am afraid I will not be able to give all of them the food and education they want.” Let’s help Diego grow and reach his developmental milestones.