Meet Jeremias, a one-and-a-half year old boy from Guatemala. He is the youngest of seven children and loves to play with his toy car.
Jeremias is frequently sick with a cough and diarrhea due to acute malnutrition. Our medical partner, Wuqu’ Kawoq (WK), shares that if he does not receive a nutritional intervention, his immune system will likely weaken. He will continue to miss both physical and cognitive developmental milestones.
Without support, Jeremias, “will be at risk of the long term effects of malnutrition and his family will probably be faced with the cost of sending him to a hospital.”
Jeremias’ mother takes care of the household and earns money weaving and selling textiles. Jeremias’ father works as a farmer. The combined income of both of Jeremias’ parents is not enough to afford his treatment.
For $535, Jeremias will begin a nutritional regimen – including micronutrients, food supplements, medications, and education for his parents about how to feed their child to improve his health. With this intervention, Jeremias will regain the height and weight he has lost and continue to develop physically and cognitively.
His mother shares, “This is a great help. I am very grateful that he is entered in this program and that we will be helped economically. I am excited for what I will learn.”