Milagros: The miracle of life
Although little Milagros still suffers from the effects of malnutrition, today she can smile again - thanks to the tireless support of her family and Malteser International's nutrition program. Together with her family, the one-year-old girl lives in Riohacha, a coastal town in the La Guajira region, close to the Venezuelan border. Child malnutrition is particularly widespread in this region. Children from families with a migrant background and from the indigenous Wayuu communities are particularly affected.
Escape from the crisis in Venezuela
Just over a year ago, Milagros' family decided to leave Venezuela, a country that has been plagued by a deep political and economic crisis for over a decade. Amalia, Milagros' mother, was seven months pregnant at the time. She made the difficult decision to flee to Colombia with her husband, her six-year-old daughter and her unborn child.
However, life in Colombia continues to be a daily challenge for her family. With a low income and no access to state healthcare, she lives in very precarious circumstances. Milagros' father works in agriculture far away from Riohacha and can only come home every two weeks to be with his family. In the meantime, Amalia, the mother, bears the main responsibility for looking after her two daughters and is unable to pursue her work as an artisan. The little money her father earns is often only enough for one or two meals a day.
"It was very difficult to leave Venezuela. I was afraid of losing my baby. I thought she wouldn't survive. That's why we called her Milagros, because it really is a miracle that she's still alive." (Milagros means "miracle" in Spanish).
Amalia, Mother of Milagros
"Although our situation is very difficult, we have no plans to return to Venezuela. At least here we have the opportunity for Milagros to be treated and receive free medical support," says Amelia gratefully.
Hope: The support of Malteser International
When Milagros was six months old, she was diagnosed with malnutrition during an examination by Malteser International. She was immediately admitted to a special nutrition program. At the beginning, Milagros weighed just 4.9 kilograms - far too little for her age. With the support of the program, she received regular nutritious peanut paste, medication and examinations. Today, months later, she has reached a weight of 7.9 kilograms - significant progress that shows how important and effective these support measures are.
Despite her progress, the after-effects of malnutrition remain a challenge: Milagros' development and growth are impaired. In addition, malnutrition weakens the immune system in young children, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. But thanks to Malteser International's ongoing support, her family has not lost hope for a better future.
In the coming weeks, the family will receive food parcels for four months. This aid will enable them to secure basic supplies and improve living conditions for all family members.
"I don't know where we would be today without this support," says Amalia. "Thanks to the nutrition program and the great help, Milagros has the chance to grow up healthy. We are eternally grateful for that."
This text is based on an article published by Malteser International Americas in December 2024.
