Rescue a Malnourished Child in Guatemala

Summary

Chronic malnutrition is the single biggest contributor to the deaths of children under 5 in Guatemala. Half of Guatemalan children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition. Casa Jackson Center for Malnourished Infants provides in-house and out-patient care to hundreds of infants and young children each year, as well as family nutrition education and community outreach efforts.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Guatemala has the third highest rate of childhood malnutrition in the world. According to UNICEF, half of Guatemalan children under 5 are chronically malnourished. In some indigenous communities, this rate reaches 80%. Widespread poverty and lack of access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and education compound this problem. Childhood malnutrition is linked to stunted growth and lower IQ, and chronic malnutrition is the biggest contributor to deaths of children under 5 in Guatemala.

How will this project solve this problem?

Casa Jackson provides in-house care to children suffering from acute-severe malnutrition and out-patient care to children who are more mildy, yet chronically, malnourished. We work with families to fix the issues that resulted in a child's diagnosis, including educating parents on proper nutrition and identifying underlying health issues complicating a child's recovery. We send recovered children home with fresh water filters, medicine, and food, and check in on their continued recovery often.

Potential Long Term Impact

Casa Jackson protects the most vulnerable victims of poverty: infants and young children. By treating hundreds of patients and empowering communities, Casa Jackson saves lives and prevents the harmful long-term effects of malnutrition.

Project Message

Children come into the world to grow and thrive. They need proper nutrition just as they need love and care. At Casa Jackson, they are rescued as they are shown the love they hunger for.
- Patrick Atkinson, International Executive Director