Press Releases 2009
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The Ambassador inquires about the health of the children with malnutrition symptoms being treated at the Jalapa National Hospital (photo: Prensa Libre, Hugo Oliva). |
U.S. Ambassador Visits Areas with Food Security Risk
Guatemala, August 21, 2009
Ambassador McFarland and USAID Director, Wayne Nilsestuen, traveled on August 21 with Juan Aguilar, SESAN Secretary (Secretariat for Food Security and Nutrition), to assess the deteriorating food security conditions and the government’s response in the southeastern department of Jalapa.
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Ambassador McFarland observs a patient suffering from malnutrition a the Nicolasa Cruz National Hospital in Jalapa (photo: Prensa Libre, Hugo Oliva). |
The group visited a rural community where families with children under five received emergency food rations—a program initiated by the Government of Guatemala in communities identified at greatest risk of acute nutrition and health problems.
The group also visited the Jalapa national hospital where approximately 20 young children were being treated for acute malnutrition and kwashiorkor.
There is growing public concern over the increases in reported cases of acute malnutrition. Local authorities are encouraging families to seek treatment in hospitals.
USAID partners and other NGOs are cooperating with SESAN to monitor and assess the food security situation in the communities where they work.
• Article published in Prensa Libre on August 22, 2009