Meet Boniface, a 6-month-old baby girl! Boniface lives in Uganda with her parents and seven siblings. Her parents, both subsistence farmers, normally grow a few crops to support their children, but this year returned a smaller harvest than usual.
After a visit to our medical partner, the Kellerman Foundation, Boniface was diagnosed with malnutrition, meaning her body is absorbing fewer nutrients than it needs to be healthy.
In children, this condition can lead to slower mental and physical development. As KF explains, “Boniface is six months old but the size of a newborn.”
With $375, Boniface will be treated for her malnutrition. Therapeutic milk containing essential micronutrients will be gradually introduced into her diet. This is intended to be a slow process, allowing Boniface to safely adjust to the diet changes.
Boniface “is young so the effect of the treatment may help avoid the severe impacts of malnutrition, such as stunting, compromised immune systems, and impaired cognitive development,” KF explains.
During Boniface’s 10-day stay in the hospital, she will be very closely monitored. She will also receive several lab tests to ensure the doctors are fully aware of her condition and progress.
With treatment, Boniface will be able to grow healthily throughout her childhood, creating opportunities for the future.
Her mother, “a happy woman who enjoys dancing and singing, is even happier because of the help offered her,” KF shares. “She didn’t expect it and wants to say ‘Thank you so much’ to all the donors.”
