Egner is a 12-month-old boy from Guatemala. His parents have had trouble affording foods rich in calories, protein, and nutrients. He has been diagnosed with acute malnutrition. This means he has little energy to grow, and his immune system is weak and vulnerable to illness. He is also at risk of chronic disease and delayed development. Fortunately, Egner began malnutrition treatment on November 24, 2016.
Egner is a calm and friendly boy who loves to play soccer with his older brother, Cristian. He lives with his family in a one-room adobe house with a tin roof. His father works as a day laborer on a local plantation, working hard to support the whole family. He cannot afford Egner’s $512 treatment.
While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation will help Egner recover. He will gain weight and grow taller to catch up with other children his age, and his immune system will grow stronger. Community health workers will teach his mother about creating a nutrient-rich diet from limited resources. Treatment will give Egner a chance to grow healthy and strong.
“I am happy because I know that this is going to help my son a lot,” says Egner’s mother.