Nutritional Rehabilitation

Children between the ages of 1 and 5 who are suffering from moderate or severe malnutrition are admitted to our Nutrition Rehabilitation Center for specialized care. Depending on each child's condition, treatment typically lasts 2 to 6 months, giving them the time they need to regain their health and return home stronger.

Every child receives a carefully planned nutrition program tailored to their individual needs. Our meals are based primarily on a wholesome lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, with whole-grain bread, fresh fruits, and vegetables served daily. When appropriate, fish or poultry may also be included to support healthy growth and recovery.

Nutrition is only one part of the healing process. Many children arrive with weakened immune systems and illnesses that have developed because of prolonged malnutrition. Our medical team provides vitamin and mineral supplementation, treats infections and other health conditions, and closely monitors each child's progress throughout their stay.

One of the most encouraging parts of our work is seeing how quickly children begin to improve. Many show visible signs of recovery within the first week as they receive proper nutrition, medical care, and a safe, loving environment. Over the following months, children continue to gain strength, reach healthy growth milestones, and rebuild the energy needed to learn, play, and enjoy childhood again.

Our goal is not simply to help children gain weight. We work to restore their overall health, strengthen their immune systems, support healthy physical and cognitive development, and prepare them to return home with the best possible foundation for a healthy future.

What causes child malnutrition in Honduras?

Child malnutrition in Honduras is caused by a combination of poverty, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and inadequate nutrition during the critical early years of a child's life. In many rural communities, families struggle to provide enough nutritious food, and preventable illnesses such as diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and repeated infections make it even more difficult for children to absorb the nutrients they need to grow and develop.

At Pan American Health Service (PAHS), we see the effects of these challenges every day. Many of the children who arrive at our Nutrition Rehabilitation Center come from remote communities where access to healthcare, clean water, and balanced nutrition is limited. By the time they reach us, they often require immediate medical care and specialized nutritional rehabilitation.

Treating malnutrition is only part of the solution. That's why PAHS also works with families and communities to help prevent it through nutrition education, medical outreach, and programs that improve long-term food security. Our goal is not only to help children recover, but to give families the knowledge and support they need so children can grow up healthy and thrive.

What happens when a child arrives?

When a child arrives at the PAHS Nutrition Rehabilitation Center, our first priority is to understand their medical condition and begin treatment as quickly as possible. Every child receives a thorough medical and nutritional evaluation to determine the severity of their malnutrition and identify any underlying illnesses that may be affecting their recovery.

After admission, each child receives:

• A complete medical examination by a certified pediatrician.

• A full nutritional assessment, including weight, height, and growth measurements.

• Treatment for dehydration, infections, parasites, or other medical conditions.

• A personalized nutrition plan with therapeutic formula and/or a special diet based on the child's needs.

• Daily nursing care, nutritious meals, supervised outdoor time, and the loving attention every child deserves.

• Regular monitoring of weight gain, growth, and overall recovery to ensure steady progress.

Most children remain in our Nutrition Rehabilitation Center for 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of their condition. During this time, our doctors, nurses, nutrition staff, and caregivers work closely with each child and their family to restore health and build a strong foundation for the future.

Our goal is more than helping children survive. We want every child to regain their strength, grow and thrive, strengthen their immune system, and return home healthier, happier, and ready for a brighter future.

Every day, children receive nutritious food, medical care, time outdoors, and something just as important—love, encouragement, and compassionate care from our staff.

How much does treatment cost?

Families never pay for treatment. For more than 60 years, Pan American Health Service has cared for children suffering from severe malnutrition regardless of their family's ability to pay. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to recover, and no child is turned away because a family cannot afford treatment.

The cost of care depends on each child's medical condition and how long they need to stay in our Nutrition Rehabilitation Center. On average, it costs about $500 per month to provide a child with nutritious meals, medical care, medications, nursing supervision, and daily support. Most children remain in our program for 3 to 6 months.

This care is only possible because of faithful donors, churches, and friends who choose to stand with us. Their generosity allows us to provide life-saving treatment at no cost to the families we serve.

Outpatient and Mobile Clinics

Through a partnership with volunteer medical professionals, we provide free health consultations and essential medicine to families living in extreme poverty and high-risk communities. These efforts enable us to address immediate health concerns, screen for serious illnesses, and assess the nutritional well-being of vulnerable rural populations. By offering these life-changing services, we’re helping to ensure healthier futures for the communities we serve in Honduras.