Andina

Peru: Chronic child malnutrition drops over 50% in eight years

Cuna Más establece protocolo de acción frente a heladas y friaje.

Cuna Más establece protocolo de acción frente a heladas y friaje.

12:46 | Paris (France), Mar. 16.

Peru managed to reduce significantly its chronic child malnutrition rate by more than 50% in less than eight years, Deputy Political and Social Assessment Minister Maria Eugenia Mujica underlined on Friday.
 
According to the government official, the Inca country has made remarkable progress in terms of fighting child malnutrition over the last 15 years.

Likewise, she noted high economic growth, solid macroeconomic policies —as well as social and redistributive policies— contributed to reducing poverty significantly from 54.8% to 20.7%.

Mujica also pointed out Peru is committed to becoming a full OECD member by 2021, the nation's independence bicentennial.

Since 2016, the country's public policies and plans —focused on the population's well-being— have started to align with the UN's 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Peru's Development and National Social Inclusion Policy aims at contributing to sustainable human development without leaving anyone behind […]," the deputy minister expressed.

In addition, she highlighted the importance the country has placed on early childhood, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing Peruvian youth —aged 17 to 24— which are largely linked to education, plus access to sustainable and decent jobs. 

Remarks were made during her participation in an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) meeting held in Paris.

At said event, Mujica presented the Andean country's progress in terms of childhood and youth, as well as challenges on the matter.

It is must be noted OECD Council members meet once a year to address issues of global importance.

(END) NDP/MAO/JAA/MVB

Published: 3/16/2018