Magali is suffering from malnutrition, a cough, and diarrhea. Her mother and father knew she was malnourished because the community health center told them when they went to weigh her, but they have never received treatment or advice. Magali is far below the average height for her age and the average weight for her age. Her diarrhea is preventing her from absorbing much-needed nutrients and puts her at risk of dehydration. Without intervention, Magali’s weight and height will continue to fall away from the curve and she will be at risk for the long-term effects of malnutrition. Her physical and mental development and growth will be stunted, preventing her from reaching her full potential. Her immune system will continue to weaken and her parents will likely have to spend money (that they do not have) on medication and medical consult/ transport to consult.
Magali is a social little girl who loves to sing, especially when she at church with her mom. She often plays with a doll given to her by her sister Veronica. Magali and Veronica play together every day, while their mother works cleaning for the house and caring for the children and their father is a farmer. She loves to eat fruit, her favorite of which is papaya.
This treatment will supply Magali with the growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and medication needed for her to increase her overall caloric intake, treat her diarrhea and cough, and recoup some of the weight and height she has lost. Her mother will receive intensive nutrition education thus building her confidence and ability to care for Magali throughout her childhood. Her father and mother will not need to constantly worry about her. Intervention now will prevent the future devastating effects of malnutrition, and give Magali the chance to live a healthy productive life.
