Noel John is a one-year-old boy from the Philippines who has malnutrition. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon for children who live in remote communities in the Philippines. In communities served by Watsi’s medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), one out of five children under the age of five is either severely or moderately acutely malnourished.
Worldwide, poor nutrition is associated with nearly half of all deaths in young children. In remote communities and urban slums of the Philippines, lack of clean water and unsanitary environments increase the risk of potentially fatal childhood diseases.
Noel John’s malnutrition must be addressed in order to prevent further physical and mental developmental delays. On February 14, he will begin a $184 home-based feeding program. This program provides nutrient-enriched food packs to ensure that he returns to a normal weight for his age.
In addition to the food packs, Noel John will receive weekly visits from ICM staff and community volunteers to monitor his progress in the program. To help sustain his health in the long term, ICM’s professional staff will educate his family members about proper nutrition, organic vegetable gardening, sanitation, and hygiene.
With this treatment, Noel John will be able to regain his energy and go back to playing with his friends. His mother expresses her gratitude, saying, “I am looking forward to seeing my child grow strong and healthy.”