“Juan is a sweet and caring one-year-old boy,” our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) shares. He is the youngest of five children, and loves to play with one of his sisters while his mother works weaving blouses.
A few months ago, Juan fell ill with a fever and was diagnosed with malnutrition at a government health center. Despite the diagnosis, Juan’s parents did not receive any support or tools to help their son.
“Now, Juan is far below the average height and weight for his age, and if intervention does not occur his physical and mental growth will be permanently stunted.” Some other long-term effects of this condition include a suppressed immune system and lower academic performance, which will inhibit Juan from reaching his full potential.
For $512, Juan can receive treatment for his malnutrition and have a chance at growing normally. In a holistic approach, Juan will receive nutritional supplements to help diversify his diet and nutrient intake. WK adds, “if he gets sick while in the program, our medical team will visit him and provide him with appropriate medication.”
Along with treatment for Juan, “his mother will participate in nutrition education and therefore feel more confident in her care decisions for her family”. This will also help prevent the long-term effects of malnutrition.
“I am so grateful for the support that we will receive from Wuqu’ Kawoq and Watsi,” Juan’s mother shares. “Because with the support of God and with you, our little Juan will recover from malnutrition.”