Meet Petronila, a one-year-old girl from Guatemala who is just learning to speak! “Petronila’s favorite toy is a little doll given to her by her cousin,” says our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK). Petronila is the youngest of five children and lives with her mother, two brothers and two sisters.
After experiencing constant illness, Petronila’s mother brought her to WK’s medical clinic. Physicians at WK confirmed that Petronila has acute pediatric malnutrition, stating, “Petronila is malnourished and has intermittent diarrhea, fever and a sore throat.” Acute malnutrition results from a nutritional imbalance–the body does not consume as many essential nutrients as it needs to be healthy. A healthy diet is extremely important in early childhood development and malnourishment can contribute to stunted physical and mental growth. The condition also weakens the immune system–often causing a variety of other illnesses.
WK explains, “even when Petronila is not sick, her appetite is low.” Petronila’s family is very supportive–WK says, “her older brother cares for and plays with Petronila while her mother works out of the home or at home weaving blouses.” However, the modest income that her mother earns is not enough to cover the cost of Petronila’s treatment.
With $535, Petronila will undergo a three-month program to treat her acute malnutrition. With this treatment, Petronila will receive a 90-day supply of nutrient-rich food supplements, which will gradually introduce essential nutrients into her diet. By improving her diet slowly, her body can safely adjust to the changes. As her immune system is currently weak, Petronila will also receive deworming medication to protect her against infection during her treatment.
With the fourth-highest rate of malnutrition in the world, WK states, “this condition is common in Guatemala.” Therefore, as part of Petronila’s total cost of treatment, her mother will receive an intensive education on nutrition from a certified nutritionist. As WK says, “this education will not only improve Petronila’s health, but also the health of her siblings.”
“Over time, Petronila will recoup the height and weight she has lost and will begin to develop normally,” WK comments. Additionally, “her immune system will strengthen,” therefore allowing Petronila to restore her overall health.
“Thank God you found me and want to help my child,” shares Petronila’s mother. “My wish is that she is healthy and free of malnutrition!”
