A country must invest in human capital to ensure its progress, mainly in the population's first five years of life; that means boys and girls must attend growth monitoring check-ups, have access to vaccines and receive iron-rich foods.
The reading material details how Peru's strong political commitment and good policies —coupled with
economic growth— were the recipe
behind breaking the cycle of poverty perpetuated by stunting.
Molinelli referred to her sector's efforts to reduce
chronic childhood malnutrition (CCM), saying Midis undertakes sustained works —through its programs and social interventions— to diminish CCM, bearing in mind it went from 18.1% in 2012 to 13.1% in 2016.
To explain such progress, the minister remarked that the control of growth and development (CRED) for children younger than 36 months —users of
Cuna Mas (More than a Crib) program— rose from 45.4% in 2016 to 50.9% in September 2017.
For this reason, Midis focuses on
childhood malnutrition and early childhood development of the poor and vulnerable, so that they can have access to economic and social opportunities.
The government official stressed the importance to remain vigilant and intensify the fight against
chronic childhood malnutrition through social programs.
(END) NDP/SMS/RRC/RMB/MVB
Published: 12/12/2017