“My wish is that when he is six years old, he will be well enough to attend school,” shares Ariel’s mother. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK) says that Ariel, a one-year-old boy from Guatemala, “likes to play with toy cars.”
Ariel is at a critical point in his early childhood development. His mother explains that they are currently, “making the transition from crawling to walking.” Excitedly, she adds that last week, “Ariel took his first steps.” However–due to acute pediatric malnutrition–Ariel may witness delays in future development milestones at this important part of his childhood.
Acute malnutrition occurs when the body does not intake as many essential nutrients as it needs–causing a nutritional imbalance. Children with malnutrition often experience stunted growth–both mentally and physically. According to WK, “Ariel’s height and weight are far below the average for his age.” Without intervention, acute malnutrition can lead to significant health complications due to a weakened immune system.
$535 will fund a 90-day micronutrient food supplementation program to treat Ariel’s acute malnutrition. Over the three month period, nutrient-rich food supplements will be gradually incorporated into Ariel’s diet. This will be a slow and gradual process to allow his body to safely adjust to the dietary changes. As his immune system is currently weak, Ariel will also receive a deworming medication to protect him against infections while he is undergoing treatment.
With the fourth-highest rate of malnutrition in the world, this condition is particularly common in Guatemala. As education plays an important role in prevention, Ariel’s parents will work with a nutritionist to receive an intensive course on nutrition. WK comments that teaching Ariel’s parents about healthy eating habits, “will impact his diet and health care for the rest of his childhood.”
Additionally, WK states, “this treatment will give Ariel a chance to recoup his weight and height, gain the nutrients he needs to grow normally and strengthen his immune system.”
With a healthier diet, “Ariel’s energy will increase and he will have the capacity to concentrate, learn more effectively and eventually succeed in school,” says WK.