Her mother Carmen Martinez, who comes from the Lengua indigenous community, was in labour for 12 hours. The reason for the protracted birth was apparent as soon as Magda was born.

Her head was unusually big as a result of hydrocephalus, a condition where the skull expands because cranial fluid has failed to be drained.

None of this would have been possible without Dr Taylor's help. Magda would have eventually died... thank you

Dr Pedro Martinez

The problem may have been caused by her mother's poor nutrition during pregnancy. Magda has never been able to sit, crawl or walk due to her condition.

A British specialist warned that without help, Magda could be dead within six months due to the build-up of pressure on her brain.

Appeal

Indigenous communities in the Chaco are very poor and they have very little access to medical aid.

But then a director of the local Indian Hospital, Dr Pedro Martinez, a neurologist, started to raise money for an operation to relieve her cranial pressure.

The appeal was a long way from its target until Dr Stephanie Taylor, a senior clinical lecturer at Barts hospital in the UK, picked up on the case after seeing Humphrey's report on BBC News Online.

Dr Taylor and her family offered to pay for Magda's surgery and the course of treatment needed for her recovery. British Embassy local employees also made a contribution.

Magda underwent a series of scans to assess her condition

Before she could have the delicate operation, she had to recover from an ear infection and slight anaemia caused by malnutrition.

The surgeons operated on 24 July at a private teaching hospital in Asuncion. None of the doctors charged for their services and the hospital's administration set specially low rates.

Success

The operation has succeeded in reducing the diameter of her head by at least three centimetres. Magda's hair is already growing back and her eyes move more freely.

Doctors hope Magda will make a good recovery

Dr Martinez is quite optimistic. He says that although there will be some kind of neurological damage, Magda will be able to make a fast recovery.

"None of this would have been possible without Dr Taylor's help. Magda would have eventually died... thank you", he said.

Magda is now with her mother at her grandmother's house in Remansito, 10km from the local hospital where she must attend a series of post-operation check-ups.

Her mother hopes that she will be able to run with the other children one day.