Gabriela is suffering from chronic malnutrition, a condition that results from not getting a diet rich in protein and nutrients. Because of malnutrition, Gabriela is the size of a healthy 10-month-old, despite being 17-months-old. Her poor diet has also weakened her defenses, making her body unable to fight off and prevent frequent colds, coughs, and gastrointestinal infections. She has little energy to grow and play, and her appetite is reduced–further worsening her malnutrition.
Gabriela lives with her family in a humble home made of cinderblocks with a tin roof. Her father works as a day laborer, earning only a couple dollars per day. Her mother works all day taking care of her, cooking, and cleaning for the family. Despite all their hard work, they cannot afford to give her even one egg, fruit, or vegetable per day–making it impossible for her to gain weight and grow taller without treatment.
Growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and deworming medication will help Gabriela recover from malnutrition. She will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children her age. Her immune system will grow stronger with the increased caloric intake, giving her more of an appetite and energy to grow and play. Her parents will receive the support they need to feel empowered to give Gabriela the diet she needs to grow and develop healthily, even with limited resources. Intervention now will give Gabriela the chance to live a healthy and productive life.
