“Carolina is the only child of two loving parents,” says our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). “Her favorite toy is a little doll that her dad gave her. While her mother works weaving blouses to sell, Carolina loves to play in the backyard.”
Carolina has acute malnutrition, meaning her body is not absorbing as many nutrients as it needs to be healthy. Due to this, “Carolina is far below the average height and weight for her age,” WK explains. Malnutrition often leads to more complications, including stunted mental and physical development and a weakened immune system.
With $535, Carolina will receive micronutrient support to treat her acute malnutrition. This treatment will extend over a 90-day period, during which time nutrient-rich food supplements will be slowly incorporated into Carolina’s diet. In doing so, she is expected to gradually and safely adjust to the changes. To protect her against infections during her treatment, Carolina will also be given deworming medicine.
Through preventable, malnutrition is a prevalent health concern, especially in rural communities such as Carolina’s. WK explains that education plays an important role in prevention. “Carolina’s parents will receive intensive nutrition education, building their confidence and ability to care for Carolina throughout her childhood and improve their ability to care for any future children,” they share.
With this treatment, Carolina’s health will improve over time. WK informs us she will “recoup some of the weight and height she has lost, overcome the infection causing her diarrhea, and increase her overall caloric intake.”
“Thank you for what you are doing for Carolina,” Carolina’s mother says. “Now with this help Carolina is going to grow up to be a healthy woman.”
