By Rachel Zelon | Executive Director
As our clean cookstove initiative continues to expand and reach more vulnerable families in Guatemala, it is important for us to continue following up with families who have already received stoves. This means making sure the stoves are maintained and functioning properly, as well as getting input directly from families on how they like their stove. Families continue to be thrilled and express that they are feeling the benefits both physically and financially. Additionally, this summer we were fortunate to be able to host and get input from a US medical mission team for a second year in a row. They were able to do follow-up respiratory health evaluations on families with new stoves and their findings were amazing! The following quote is from one of the nurses:
"Last year when we did the clinic in Los Chilitos, we saw so many infants and children with profound respiratory issues. When we listened with a stethoscope to the breath sounds of babies and young children, it was like we were listening to adults who had been long-time smokers. We treated multiple kids and adults for pneumonia and restrictive airway disease. I'm thrilled to say this year we had no respiratory issues in Los Chilitos! It is very clear to me that the stoves that have been installed work! By venting the smoke through the chimney, infants, children and adults are able to breathe clean air resulting in healthy lungs. I wish we could quantify the return on the investment - but how do you put a dollar amount on breathing easy and having healthy lungs?! Priceless."
The clean cookstoves are indeed working and your support is allowing us to eradicate serious, but avoidable respiratory illness in vulnerable communities. Let's keep the good momentum going!
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By Rachel Zelon | Executive Director
By Lydia Sorensen | GlobalGiving In-the-Field Representative
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