By Estefanny Castro.
The problem of child malnutrition is an urgent challenge that requires immediate attention. We face a reality where numerous children are at risk due to nutritional insufficiency, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their integral development. According to UNICEF:
The prevalence of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean now stands at 9.1 percent, the highest it has been in the last 15 years, although slightly below the world average of 9.9 percent. Just between 2019 and 2020, the prevalence of hunger increased by 2 percentage points.
“We must say it loud and clear: Latin America and the Caribbean is facing a critical situation in terms of food security. There has been an almost 79 percent hike in the number of people living in hunger from 2014 to 2020”, said Julio Berdegué, FAO’s Regional Representative.
Childhood Undernutrition Categories
Screened for by Bountiful Coordinators
- At Risk – Based on family economic or other circumstances
- Chronic – Chronic Malnutrition
- MAM – Moderate Acute Malnutrition is identified by moderate wasting
- SAM – Severe Acute Malnutrition is identified by severe wasting
Wasting is often referred to as acute malnutrition. It is a sign that a child has experienced short periods of undernutrition, resulting in significant wastage of muscle and fat tissue. This means their weight is very low for their height.
Childhood stunting – another important measure of nutrition – is regarded as a stronger indicator of chronic malnutrition.
For detailed information, refer to Management of Severe and Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Children published by the NIH.
Acute Malnutrition in Guatemala
In the Country Office Annual Report 2022 for Guatemala, UNICEF stated, “According to the National Nutrition Secretariat, after the increase in 2020 in the number of registered cases of acute malnutrition in children under five years of age (they went from 15,547 in 2019 to 26,959 in 2020), a reduction was observed in 2022 when 22,416 cases were registered. However, cases are still higher than those recorded in 2019.”
Bountiful in Guatemala
In 2008, the Bountiful Children’s Foundation arrived in Guatemala promoting health and wellness through the implementation of nutritional aid and support for malnourished children. By 2009, Bountiful helped more than 1000 children ages 6 months to 10 years old. Over the years Bountiful Children has served 2,596 children and more than 804 expectant and nursing mothers.
Progress in Guatemala inspired the organization to go further. In 2014, a group of volunteers traveled to Honduras and El Salvador to promote a call for support and help to communities of malnourished children and nursing mothers.
In Guatemala in 2023, Bountiful Children served a total of 9,765 participants (breastfeeding mothers and children). Among these were 3,152 children with chronic problems, 633 at risk, 94 MAM, 61 SAM, 492 breastfeeding mothers and 193 mothers in management.
Acute Malnutrition in Honduras
In the Country Office Annual Report 2022 for Honduras, UNICEF stated that the child population has been greatly affected by the pandemic (Covid19). They report, “UNICEF promoted the evaluation of 32,682 children aged between 6 and 59 months (16,381 boys and 16,301 girls) from seven of the 20 health regions of the country using the MUAC (mid upper arm circumference) tape. This action allowed the recovery of 292 children (179 girls and 113 boys) with moderate (251) or severe (41) acute malnutrition and 432 others are in the process of recovery thanks to the treatment supported by UNICEF.” The decrease of malnutrition in infants in this country has been possible thanks to organizations such as UNICEF, however, there is still a large number of children to attend and support.
Bountiful in Honduras
Bountiful Children has worked diligently to address malnutrition in the country of Honduras by generating a child health and sustainability initiative. This year, Bountiful has helped 733 participants, where 407 children with chronic problems, 144 at risk, 41 MAM (Moderate Acute Malnutrition), 17 SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition), 82 nursing mothers and 42 in gestation were addressed.
Bountiful in Central America
The Bountiful Children’s Foundation currently serves the following number of infants and mothers in Central America:
The tireless fight against malnutrition in Central America is not only a noble cause, but also a testament to the transformative power that is unleashed in purposeful, collective work. This admirable effort endures thanks to the unwavering support of coordinators and volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time and talents to improving child and maternal health in the region.
Currently, Bountiful Children has 50 coordinators who manage the Central America area, including 3 accountants and 8 volunteers who help with the delivery of nutrients to the mothers. The coordinators emphasize the importance of local action and direct connections by meeting once a month with the stake president in stake council meetings to analyze and assist in the management of health and welfare programs in the communities. During these meetings, coordinators provide guidance to the stake leaders regarding the requirements of malnourished children in the community. They actively contribute to the planning process and execute the devised plans under the direction of stake leaders.
The coordinators express significant apprehension about the insufficient donations received, considering the substantial number of children and communities with unmet needs. By the conclusion of 2023, the coordinators have identified an additional 142 at-risk children who require nutritional supplements.
Bountiful: a Worldwide Community of Donors and Volunteers
Bountiful Children will continue to work hard to sustain and improve the health of infants and nursing mothers in Central America. All this progress would not have been possible without the support of those who choose to be promoters of change by donating their time, talents and money for the betterment of future generations. Together we are the impetus that redefines the health of infants and nursing mothers in Central America and other struggling regions of the world. Our collective offerings transcend the numbers and are transformed into real stories of improvement and well-being. With each contribution, we together are forging a path to a healthier and brighter future for these communities.
With your continued support, we can amplify our impact, reach more communities and provide comprehensive, life-changing care. Bountifuls donors and volunteers are not only offering resources, but also hope, health and a future full of possibilities. Click to donate now and become part of this transformative narrative. Together, we are building a legacy of health and wellness in Central America. Your contribution makes the difference the world needs to see.
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