Casa Jackson Center for Malnourished Infants

Vital Stats

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  • people helped3100
  • People Doing It 315

The Problem

Malnutrition plagues over half of children under the age of five in Guatemala. In some indigenous communities, as many as 80% are malnourished. For many, a lack of proper nutrition contributes greatly to this problem. Many do not know the signs of acute malnourishment and therefore do not treat it. Poverty is a large contributing factor since 80% of the country lives in poverty. Malnutrition is responsible for 56% of infant and child mortality rates in Guatemala, which has the highest rate in Central America.

Plan of Action

Casa Jackson has a multi-approach system to address the problem. Casa Jackson treats severe cases of malnourishment with in-house care, works with chronic cases through out-patient care, and conducts field clinics to educate and empower communities. Casa Jackson also ensures that children return to stable family environments. The project works with families to better understand which foods are nutritionally beneficial for their children, provides hydroponic tables to grow vegetables, and continues to monitor cases after children have returned home. Since opening the Casa Jackson in November of 2008, 125 children have received care and are thriving today.
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Homelessness and Poverty

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