Vinz is an eight-month-old boy from the Philippines who lives with his family in a small bamboo house. He is a happy little boy and smiles at everyone, including strangers. Vinz’s father is a fisherman, and his mother sells the fish at the market. They do not make enough money to support Vinz, who has been diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.
Worldwide, poor nutrition is associated with nearly half of all deaths in young children. Vinz’s malnutrition potentially threatens his life, and could also lead to heart problems and mental development issues.
Fortunately, Vinz is receiving the care he needs from Watsi’s medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Vinz began ICM’s $268 home-based feeding program, which provides nutrient-enriched food packs to malnourished children, on October 19. This will help Vinz regain a normal weight and achieve optimum physical and mental development.
In order to monitor Vinz’s progress in the program, ICM staff and volunteers will make weekly visits to check up on him. They will also educate his parents about proper nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and organic vegetable gardening to ensure that Vinz’s health can be sustained in the future.
“I hope Vinz will finish his studies and get a good job,” says his mother. Let’s help to fund her son’s care!
