Fight Rising Malnutrition in Rural Guatemala

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic childhood malnutrition in the world, exceeding 70% in some indigenous, rural areas. Recent events, including global inflation, have amplified the problem. According to a December 2022 report from UN OCHA on Guatemala, “Food and nutrition needs are at a historical high.” In February 2023, La Hora reported that the costs of basic foods in Guatemala have increased 17% over the past year.

Wuqu’ Kawoq is working with families in rural Guatemala who are most vulnerable to these trends to help reverse child malnutrition and prevent its potential lifelong effects. Our Family-Centered Nutrition Program works one-on-one with families to develop personalized approaches to promote their children’s healthy growth and development. The program includes growth monitoring, in-home nutrition counseling, vitamin and food supplements, and group education classes.

In the communities where the program operates, chronic malnutrition has dropped by 20-40%. Alfredo's story is part of the difference that donors are making: 

Doña Yolanda was concerned that her son Alfredo was underweight, but she was reluctant to contact the local health post for help. Based on her previous experiences, she feared she would be scolded about Alfredo’s poor nutritional status. Then she encountered Blanca Romero, a nutrition technician from Wuqu' Kawoq. Blanca explained that she would visit the family in their home and work with Doña Yolanda in the family language of Mam to create strategies so Alfredo could grow and develop. Doña Yolanda agreed to participate and began making changes to her son’s diet, reducing the use of instant meals and unhealthy snacks and adding supplements and healthier snacks like bananas. Doña Yolanda says that she now feels hopeful that her son will continue to grow and develop so he will be healthy and better able to study and learn in school.

You are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Guatemalan children in rural areas, and we are so grateful!

In 2021, Hilda López became concerned when her second child did not seem to be growing as expected. She connected with Wuqu' Kawoq, which was just starting the Family-Centered Nutrition Program in her community of Nueva Concepción, and the López family became one of the first participants. Working together with the Wuqu' Kawoq team, Hilda was able to support her son in reaching a healthy weight and height. 

When her third son Samuel was born in 2024, Hilda noted signs of delayed growth and again reached out to the Wuqu' Kawoq team for guidance and support. Samuel, who is 14 months old, joined the program in February 2024 and was diagnosed with moderate growth delay. 

Samuel not only receives nutritious foods like beans, eggs, and nutritional supplements, but his mother Hilda also has the opportunity to refresh her understanding of vital aspects of care for her son, like nutrition, hygiene, and breastfeeding. Through monthly visits, Samuel receives follow-up to ensure his healthy development.

Cooking with products from her small garden, Hilda is able to provide her family with varied and healthy meals in spite of the economic challenges of buying vegetables in the community. In May, Samuel reached his ideal height and weight. There is still much work to be done in the coming months to ensure that this progress continues on a promising and sustainable path.

Hilda did not have the opportunity to receive formal education and wishes for a different story for her children. She strives for Samuel and his siblings to have health and opportunities for a promising future. She hopes that with the care and support they receive, her children can achieve their dreams, whether becoming nurses, teachers, or another profession of their choice.