Wilmer is less than one-month-old and lives with his parents, grandparents, and siblings in Guatemala’s rural coastal region. His mother cannot produce breast milk, so Wilmer is underweight and small for his age.
Wilmer was recently diagnosed with malnutrition, a condition that occurs from consuming too little protein, calories, and nutrients. In the short term, malnutrition means Wilmer has little energy to grow, and that his immune system is weak, leaving him vulnerable to diseases that could further compromise his growth. If left untreated, he may also face the long-term consequences of malnutrition, such as increased risk of chronic illness and a lowered IQ.
Concerned for his well-being, his mother took Wilmer to our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq, for treatment. Beginning May 16, Wilmer will receive formula, micronutrients and food supplementation, as well as regular growth monitoring. Community health workers will also teach his mother how to create a nutrient rich diet using limited resources. The $1,162 requested will cover all expenses of his continued treatment, allowing him to gain weight, strengthen his immune system, and catch up with other children his age.
Wilmer’s mother says, “I am worried because my son always cries after I try to breastfeed him. I worry that I cannot feed him well and that he will get sick. We do not have the resources to buy him milk because my husband’s earnings are barely enough to feed our family. Thank you for the help that my son will receive—may God bless you all.”
