Wilson is a 15-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, Wilson began malnutrition treatment on November 24, 2016.
Wilson’s favorite activity is playing soccer with his older brother. His favorite foods are soup, rice, and watermelon. He lives with his family in a one-room adobe house with a tin roof. Wilson’s father works as a day laborer on a local plantation, harvesting fava beans and corn. He cannot afford this $512 treatment.
While malnutrition can have devastating effects, it is also very treatable. Growth monitoring, micronutrients, and food supplementation will help Wilson 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 Wilson a chance to grow healthy and strong.