Fight Rising Malnutrition in Rural Guatemala

With your support, we have been able to scale up our fight against child malnutrition in rural Guatemala throughout the Covid pandemic. Our nutrition technologists have provided nutritional supplements and personalized care to hundreds of children and their families, with very promising results.

Just one example is Diego, pictured above, who suffered from chronic malnutrition when he entered our program. After taking time to build trust with his mother in her language of Kaqchikel, our techs were able to help her find food and recipes to nourish her young son. By the time he graduated from our program, he had reached normal height and weight, crucial aspects for his future health and success.  

In addition to providing nutrition care, we now are offering a phone app that helps caregivers track and nurture developmental milestones such as talking and walking so their children don’t fall behind.

We also are launching a Master Class to share our successful Family-Centered Nutrition approach with other organizations fighting the growing problem of malnutrition across the country. Many families in rural, indigenous communities are still struggling as a result of the pandemic, climate change, and poor governance. Guatemala has the highest rate of malnutrition and stunting in Latin America – as high as 80% in the communities where we work -  and the fourth highest malnutrition rate in the world. 

You have played an essential role in helping to respond to this crisis! We hope you will consider continuing your support with a gift in honor of Mother's Day! 

Links:

• Learn more about Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance