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This photo was taken by Sonia Komenda, a Junior Delegate of the Canadian Red Cross who recently spent three months on a mission in Honduras. The mortality rate for babies and children under the age of five is particularly high in Honduras, compared to other Latin American countries. The most common illnesses causing death in children are diarrhea/dehydration and respiratory infections, both of which are easily preventable.
The children in this photo were part of the Maternal Child Health Program that Sonia worked with during her mission. The purpose of the program is to monitor the growth and development of the children, provide advice on nutrition and child care and refer families to the community health centre when necessary. Although there is still work to be done, the mortality rate has decreased since the Red Cross began this project.