Carlos is a seven-month-old baby boy who lives with his parents and six older siblings in rural Guatemala. Carlos’s mother looks after the household, and his father is an agricultural laborer. Carlos’s favorite foods are beans and watermelon.
Carlos has been diagnosed with malnutrition. His body does not have enough energy to grow, and his immune system is weak, leaving him extremely vulnerable to illness. Long-term consequences of malnutrition include low IQ and increased risk of developing chronic diseases.
While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Carlos will begin treatment to help him recover at our medical partner’s care center, Clinic Tecpán, on January 19. His growth will be monitored, and he will receive micronutrient and food supplements. Community health workers will also teach his family how to create and maintain nutritious diets.
Carlos needs $437 to cover these treatment costs, so that he can have the chance to grow up strong and healthy.