Meet Dulce, a 16-month girl living in Guatemala with five other siblings, including a twin sister. As a happy child, Dulce enjoys playing with all her siblings, especially her twin.
Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), says that the family is struggling to provide for the twins, and 10 months ago, the switch from breast milk to solid food made their financial situation even more difficult.
Because of this, “Dulce is frequently ill with diarrhea. Now she is at risk for the long-term effects of malnutrition,” WK explains. Without medical intervention, she will begin to develop abnormally and her immune system will weaken. Ultimately, Dulce’s brain will not be able to develop to its full potential, leading to decreased academic performance, and diminished productivity in the work force.
With $512 in funding, Dulce can receive acute malnutrition treatment including medication for her gastrointestinal infection, oral and intravenous food supplements, and vitamins to boost her immune system.
“Her mother will be given the educational tools to prevent malnutrition in any future children she may have, and better care for Dulce and her siblings for years to come,” WK says. With these various treatments, WK believes Dulce can fully recover and return to normal growth.
Her mother shares that Dulce and her twin sister “are so beautiful and I love them both, but worry we cannot provide for them what they need. Help and support would change everything for us.”