on Tuesday stated that the Government is committed to addressing the problem of anemia in Peru through determination, effectiveness, and unity so as to achieve a positive outcome in the health of children and pregnant mothers.
Mrs. Boluarte participated in the launch of the multi-sector campaign "Children of Iron."
Within this framework, the president called for continuing to work jointly on this important action.
"We are facing a decisive step in our fight against childhood anemia, committed to addressing this public health problem determinedly and effectively. United as a society and as a Government, supported by your families, the well-being of our boys and girls can be achieved," she expressed.
The top official noted that the health of girls, boys, adolescents, and pregnant mothers is a priority for the Government. Thus, the initiative entails a comprehensive multisectoral plan, with coordinated actions by all sectors to combat childhood anemia.
"During the second half of 2023, we recovered almost 9,000 children, aged 12 to 18 months, from anemia; however, the situation nationwide still constitutes a great challenge," Mrs. Boluarte indicated.
"Today, with a clear and firm decision, we are setting a milestone by strengthening interventions to combat anemia at the national level, which will help us reduce and prevent this disease," she added.
Before mothers gathered at Rimac district's stadium, Mrs. Boluarte explained that the multi-sector plan relies on a budget worth S/16 billion (about US$4.293 billion) to benefit more than 4 million children under 3 years of age, plus more than 3 million adolescents and pregnant women.
According to the president, one of its main axes is access to safe potable water and a balanced diet from an early age —an effort on which the three government levels work collaboratively in order to guarantee the effective implementation of the proposed interventions.
"Similarly, we will conduct monitoring and evaluation of all implemented interventions regularly, which will enable us to adjust and enhance our strategies based on the population's changing needs and the results obtained, ensuring that we are on the right path," she stated.
Among actions at the primary care level, Mrs. Boluarte said that hemoglobin testing in children under 3 years of age will be strengthened.
Similarly, iron supplements will be provided to children, adolescents, and pregnant mothers. Besides, home visits will be conducted by health professionals through teleconsultation and telemonitoring programs to track iron consumption.
Strategies will also be implemented, such as the consumption of fortified rice in daily food intake, as well as of iron-rich foods with high biological value and vitamins. Thus, the regulations of the Law that proposes the enrichment of fortified rice in Peru was signed.