Indigenous group fights malnutrition

MASAHUA, Mexico - Living in the mountainous terrain and cold, dry climate of northwestern Mexico, the indigenous Masahua people are struggling to survive. Nearly 80 percent of the population, who are mostly elderly and children, are malnourished because of lack of food.

For the Masahuas, the cycle of suffering lies in the balance of integrating their rich heritage with the modern industrial world. Their agricultural practices, though deeply rooted in tradition, are elementary compared to modern-day methods and as a result, contribute to sanitation problems and malnutrition. Food production is also reduced due to the arid climate.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve conditions for the Masahua, OBI reached out early this year to more than 300 families in the region, providing them with thick, warm blankets, ready-to-eat meals, grains, drinking water and other aid.

"We weigh the children and take their measurements to determine the level of malnutrition," explained OBI Mexico coordinator Zalatiel Rodriguez. "Then, OBI provides foods high in proteins and nutritious supplements to improve their quality of life."

In addition, OBI also distributed notebooks and pencils to the children to help with their educational needs.

Thanks to donor support, OBI is able to continue to bring relief to impoverished communities like these.

Last year alone, OBI distributed 12.9 million pounds of relief and aid both domestically and internationally, including 23 cargo container shipments to countries in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.