One-year-old Darwin is from rural Guatemala. “Darwin is the first and only child in the family. He loves to play with his uncle Aldair who is roughly the same age as Darwin. Together they play with toy cars and little plastic balls,” says our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK).
“Darwin is suffering from malnutrition and is already showing signs of developmental delays,” WK says. “At 13 months he is not babbling or walking. His energy is generally low, but when he does have energy his mother says that he laughs often. Darwin’s appetite is low. He has struggled with reoccurring diarrhea, but his mother says that she is not able to afford medication.”
“He is far below the weight and height for his age, and our staff worries that if we don’t intervene soon his immune system will decline and he will be at higher risk of infections and illnesses, such as pneumonia,” WK says. “He will be unable to develop to his full mental potential, thus limiting his ability to concentrate and go far in school. Without support, later in life Darwin will be at higher risk for chronic illness such as diabetes and hypertension.”
For $512, we can fund comprehensive malnutrition treatment for Darwin.
“This treatment will allow Darwin to avoid the permanent effects of malnutrition. He will recoup the weight and height he has lost and begin to catch up developmentally to his peers. Deworming medication will remove the gastrointestinal infection causing his diarrhea, and he will have the chance to grow to his full potential,” WK says.
“He will receive nutritional support, thus allowing his brain to grow and develop normally. His immune system will strengthen and he will have more energy. His mother will be given the educational tools to prevent malnutrition in any future children she may have, and better care for Darwin and continue his treatment even after he has completed 6 months of our nutrition program. With Watsi donor support, we believe this child will fully recover.”
“I just wish that my son can grow well, and be healthy,” his mother says. “I want him to study in school and graduate to get a profession.”
