Saving Wilmer
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Two-year-old Wilmer and his mother, Maximina. Photo credit: Brent Stirton |
Nicaragua — Two-year-old Wilmer lives with his mother, father and four siblings in a remote farming community high in the northern mountains of Nicaragua, six miles away from the nearest health facility. Like many children in the area, Wilmer has had recurrent bouts of pneumonia.
"The first time it happened I was very scared," said his mother, Maximina. "I thought he might die." Maximina had learned from a volunteer health worker in her community how to recognize the symptoms of pneumonia — quick breathing with ribs showing, vomiting, lack of energy and lack of appetite — and Wilmer was exhibiting all these danger signs. Maximina took Wilmer to the home of the nearest health worker, a 46-year-old neighbor named Natividad. Thanks to her special training, Natividad was able to evaluate Wilmer's condition on the spot, diagnose pneumonia, and immediately give Wilmer a liquid antibiotic. Natividad told Maximina to continue giving Wilmer the medicine every 12 hours for seven days. She also advised Maximina to keep Wilmer warm and dry, not to let him run around barefoot, to encourage him to eat, and give lots of water and chamomile tea. Wilmer's health started improving the next day.
If Natividad had not been trained and equipped by Save the Children to provide these services in the community, Maximina would have had to carry Wilmer miles over rocky, muddy roads to get medical care from a health facility that is open only two or three mornings a week. It is likely he would not have received care so quickly, and his pneumonia probably would have become more severe, perhaps even life-threatening. Natividad visited Wilmer at home five days after the initial diagnosis and was pleased to see how well he was recovering. "I am very grateful for Natividad's help and to all those who support this health program," said Maximina.
Last Updated October 2009
