Meet Silvia, a one-year old girl from Guatemala. Silvia often plays with her older sister, and she has a single mother who weaves blouses and picks jacote fruit to sell at the market.
Silvia is a patient with our medical partner Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), who explains that Silvia “has been suffering from acute malnutrition for several months now and has chronic diarrhea, cough, vomiting and a fever.”
“Without intervention, Silvia’s health will continue to decline and she will be at high risk of death from malnutrition and dehydration,” continues WK. “If she survives her body will have limited ability to develop and grow normally. She is already far below the average height and weight for her age, and it is obvious that her immune system is incredibly weak.”
For $535, we can fund a multifaceted treatment that includes educational support on nutrition for Silvia’s mother, micronutrient and food supplementation for Silvia and medication for Silvia’s immediate medical issues. Her mother will receive information on how to effectively spend the limited money she has to purchase the most nutrient dense food options for her children. “Over time we expect Silvia’s energy to improve and for her to experience a lower risk of chronic diseases (such as diabetes and hypertension), as well as lower risk of complicated pregnancy, both of which are highly associated with childhood malnutrition,” says WK. “Most importantly she will avoid dying because of lack of medical care affordability.”
Silvia’s mother shares, “I am so happy you found us, I have no idea what I would have done if you didn’t find us.” Let’s fund this treatment and get Silvia back on track!
