Delivering Children’s Vitamins with Food for the Poor

Nearly a quarter of the Dominican Republic’s (DR) population lives in poverty. Although government-sponsored health services are free, quality care is not always accessible. Medicines and medical supplies remain unavailable or too expensive for many families, especially those in need.

In these difficult circumstances, children struggle with treatable conditions. CMMB collaborated with our longtime trusted partner, Food for the Poor, an international relief and development organization that serves vulnerable families in Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, we are bringing access to medicines and medical supplies closer to home for families living in the DR.

Today, we invite you to read the story of one young child who visited a Food for the Poor-supported health clinic that treats young patients with serious health issues like malnutrition.

M.V.’s Story: Strength for Her Future

Life is hard for 10-year-old M.V. She lives with her mother and two younger brothers in Buenos Aires de Herrera, a neighborhood west of Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital. Their rickety home barely withstands the wind and rain that batters the island. It’s worlds away from the lush resorts that bring tourists to the DR.

M.V. has suffered from malnutrition since she was very little. When her mother lost her job, the family’s struggles worsened—and M.V.’s health deteriorated. Without the nutrients she needed to grow bigger and stronger, her already thin body shrank. Her energy was so low she could barely play, let alone learn at school.

M.V.’s mother was determined to help her daughter. She brought her to Clínica Materno Infantil Orden de Malta Herrara, a health clinic supported by Food for the Poor. There, she learned that M.V. was suffering from marasmus, a severe form of malnutrition harmful to both her physical and mental development. M.V. needed careful treatment. She received essential nutrients, as well as additional calories and protein.

CMMB was there for her. Thanks to our donation of Previnex Children’s Chewable Vitamins, the health clinic was able to give M.V. the nutritional supplements crucial to her continuing recovery for free. These multivitamins contain nutrients that will help fill gaps in M.V.’s diet and support her growth.

Now, M.V. is gaining strength for a brighter future. Her mother, once hoping for a helping hand, has found two. Thanks to CMMB and Food for the Poor, she knows that her family is not alone. With renewed hope, she will keep standing up for her children’s health.

CMMB and Food for the Poor: United for Greater Impact

CMMB’s Access to Medicines program continues to partner with pharmaceutical companies and local organizations to deliver critical medicines and supplies to people in hard-to-reach communities around the world. In 2024, CMMB distributed $278.9 million worth of medicine and medical supplies to hospitals and health facilities in 32 countries.

Our hearts are full of gratitude knowing children like M.V. are receiving the nutrients they need to play, learn, and live long, healthy lives. Trusted partners make our work possible. Food for the Poor, thank you for your partnership. It makes all the difference.