Meet Foska, a two-year-old girl from Uganda. “Foska is the youngest of four children and lives with her family in a small village,” reports our medical partner, the Kellerman Foundation. “Foska’s mother grows and picks tea, which is the family’s main source of income. Her father works, making lumber when he can, but he is gone from home a lot.”
Foska has severe acute malnutrition, characterized by below average height and weight for her age group. Malnutrition is widespread in Uganda – affecting approximately 39 percent of young children.
“Foska is suffering from severe acute malnutrition complicated by diarrhea, an eye infection, and severe edema,” an excess of watery fluid collecting in tissues of the body, KF explains. “It has the potential of affecting her normal growth and cognitive development.”
For $375, Foska will receive comprehensive treatment for malnutrition. This cost includes intravenous medication to combat infection, cannulation to supply a steady stream of nutrients, therapeutic milk preparation, diagnostic tests, and a ten-day hospital stay. “Foska will return to normal growth and development patterns. Her Oedema, diarrhea, and eye infection will be treated,” her doctor says.
Foska’s mother is relieved that her child will be able to enjoy a healthy life. KF tells us, “She is very grateful to be part of this program. She is looking forward to her child getting well and following the recommendations of the Community Health Nurse in the future.”
