#Guatemala #Castillo Hermanos #Guatemalans for Nutrition #Nutrimóviles Camps #Huehuetenango

Breaking New Ground in Combating Malnutrition

In a groundbreaking initiative, Castillo Hermanos, a leading multinational company rooted in Guatemala with over 139 years of experience in the food and beverage sector, has taken significant strides in fighting child malnutrition. The company invested $15 million in 2022 to establish the Guatemalans for Nutrition program. This multifaceted, community-driven initiative aims to address child malnutrition in Huehuetenango, a region deeply affected by this pressing issue.

The Vision Behind Guatemalans for Nutrition

Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution, Castillo Hermanos has adopted a holistic approach. The program, Guatemalans for Nutrition, emphasizes community involvement and aims for scalable results. Utilizing mobile units known as the Nutrimóviles Camps, designed and built in Spain, the initiative brings essential health and nutrition services directly to remote areas of Huehuetenango.

Each Nutrimóvil Camp can serve up to 50 patients daily, focusing on pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and children under five. The camps provide not only health consultations and nutritional support but also include agricultural schools, early childhood development centers, and technical training facilities to boost local entrepreneurship and productivity.

Transformative Results

The impact of Guatemalans for Nutrition has been significant, as shown by a recent report from Dr. Sophia Aguirre of The Catholic University of America. After just one year of implementation, the program has achieved historical results:

• - Acute malnutrition in children under five decreased from 6% to a mere 0.38%.
• - Chronic malnutrition fell dramatically, with improvements in height-for-age measurements.
• - Over 70% of mothers reported normal growth in their children, reflecting positive changes in nutrition and health practices.
• - Recurrent illnesses among pregnant and lactating women dropped by up to 76%, highlighting the health benefits of the services provided at the camps.
• - Nutritional consumption per household increased by 17%, helping families gain better access to food and improve their economic conditions through savings and income-generating activities.

These figures significantly exceed global standards for malnutrition reduction. For context, the global average annual decrease for stunting, as reported by UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank, stood at just 1.65% from 2012 to 2022. Guatemalans for Nutrition reported an impressive accumulated annual reduction rate of 7.10% to 9.1%, solidifying the program's status as one of the most effective global initiatives in addressing child malnutrition.

The Core Philosophy

At its core, Guatemalans for Nutrition is a comprehensive program designed to tackle the multifaceted drivers of malnutrition. The approach is not only about delivering immediate healthcare services and nutritious food. It inherently includes:

• - Ensuring access to essential health care and clean drinking water.
• - Promoting hygiene practices and healthy dietary habits.
• - Encouraging families to generate income through local agricultural projects.

This multidimensional framework creates a sustainable environment where families are empowered to make informed nutritional choices that resonate across generations. Louder than mere numbers, the transformations occurring within these communities reflect a genuine evolution in how families live and raise their children.

A Legacy of Responsibility

As Castillo Hermanos continues to evolve, the company remains deeply committed to social, economic, and environmental development through initiatives like Guatemalans for Nutrition. According to the company president, Stuardo Sinibaldi, “These results are more than just statistics; they signify a profound, sustainable change in how thousands of families live and nourish themselves.”

In summary, Guatemalans for Nutrition not only addresses pressing health issues but also inspires a legacy of hope and improvement for future generations. The community-driven efforts of Castillo Hermanos serve as a shining example for other organizations and countries grappling with similar challenges. By weaving together health services with education and economic opportunity, the program is setting new standards in the fight against malnutrition in Guatemala and beyond.