Elfry is nearly three standard deviations below the average 15-month-old child in Guatemala. A lack of calories, protein, and nutrients have not only made Elfry dangerously small, but also made his immune system weak. This malnutrition causes Elfry to get sick often and struggle to overcome illnesses.
Elfry has not had the energy to grow and play, and he has lost his appetite. If he does not receive treatment, he could face long-term consequences such as stunted neurodevelopment, difficulty in school, lower earning potential, and chronic disease such as obesity and diabetes.
The little boy lives with his parents and older brother in a one-room house made of cinderblocks. He enjoys playing with cars with his older brother. His mother takes care of the home and father is a day laborer, but unfortunately does not make substantial income.
Growth monitoring, micronutrient and food supplementation, and deworming medication will help Elfry recover from malnutrition–putting him on track to live a better life in the future. He will gain weight, grow taller, improve his immune system and increase his appetite. This treatment for malnutrition costs $512, and his parents will also receive the support they need to give their son a proper diet.
Intervention now will prevent the future devastating effects of malnutrition, and give Elfry the chance to live a healthy and productive life, finish school, get a good job, and be able to reach his potential in the future.
“We just want our son to grow well, it has been hard for him to grow,” his mother shares.
