The “RAN” Emergency programme conducted by the Italian Embassy in Guatemala is funding 12 projects to reduce food, nutritional and environmental risks for vulnerable categories of the population (first and foremost women and children). The projects focus on the groups most affected by high rates of malnutrition and hit by the devastating effects of the last two rainy seasons in Guatemala.
Fighting acute malnutrition: an integrated approach
The initiatives are being carried out by Italian and Guatemalan non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The construction and fitting-out of the Nutritional Recovery Centre (NRC) is part of the broader “Fighting acute malnutrition: an integrated approach” project funded by Italian Development Cooperation’s RAN Programme. The project is being implemented by ICU, an Italian NGO, in collaboration with the Guatemalan Health Ministry.
Model infrastructure
The NRC is an example of model infrastructure of its kind. It has 18 beds, 2 consultation clinics, a kitchen, a training area, laundry with garden, offices for the medical staff, and bathroom facilities. It was designed to ensure that the children being treated are kept sufficiently isolated to prevent contagion. Doctors and nurses from the Guatemalan Health Ministry are already working at the centre, and the first 5 children suffering from malnutrition are being treated.
