Currently, there are 6 million 552 000 children in Peru, half a million of whom are under five years of age and live in poverty, and face daily malnutrition, anemia, infant mortality, difficult access to vaccination, absenteeism in education among others: a highly vulnerable population. Child anemia affects 43.6% of children aged 6 to 36 months, being more prevalent among children aged 6 to 18 months, according to the latest report of the Ministry of Health.
With the arrival of COVID-19 it impacted harshly the access and attention of the health system, so many children did not receive the care and protection necessary for their growth.
While significant resources and necessary tools have been allocated in recent months for the provision and administration of child health care, it continues to be a latent problem. In addition, thousands of mothers face the consequences of the pandemic, especially those first-time pregnant women who need further guidance and care.
Committed to the health and development of the country
In view of this situation, Socios En Salud in alliance with different organizations, strategic allies, and in coordination with the Directorate of Integrated Health Networks of North Lima (DIRIS) of the Ministry of Health strengthens the Peruvian health system through its Maternal and Child Health Program (SAMI), which focuses on the integral health of pregnant women and children under 24 months of age, through community, technological and social support that allows greater access to the Peruvian state’s health services.
As part of its activities in the care of the mother-child binomial, the program provides nutritional counseling, communication support with emphasis on anemia, weight gain, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, child development sessions. In addition, clinical interventions of birth plan, psychoprophylaxis sessions in pregnancy, follow-up of controls, and vaccines in children.
Thanks to the efforts of the entire multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, obstetricians, community agents, it has been possible to ensure the health care of more than 257 pregnant women, of which 4 are teenage mothers, so the efforts were duplicated.
Thus, of the 230 births, more than 90% of newborns had an adequate weight and size and more than 50% received exclusive breastfeeding, which improves the immune system.
The nutrition specialist, Lizeth Palomino recommends breastfeeding as one of the best practices to contribute to health and growth in the first months of life, as it is the only food that provides the amount of nutrients necessary for the ideal neural development of infants. So it is necessary to continue with the incorporation of iron-rich foods such as, sangrecita, spleen, liver, fish; the consumption of fruits, vegetables and varied and nutritious foods in complementary feeding, from 6 months in children.
”It is essential to let moms know the importance of food supplements such as folic acid, before the conception of the baby and during the first trimester of gestation, and continue with ferrous sulfate, because it is iron that contains this supplement that oxygenates the cells that allow proper brain development of the baby. We have to ensure the consumption of iron-rich foods and supplements to prevent anemia and above all decrease the risk of complications during childbirth,” she detailed.
Also, since 2018 Socios En Salud, joins the objectives of the National Plan for the Reduction and Control of Maternal and Child Anemia and Child Chronic Malnutrition in Peru approved by the Ministry of Social Inclusion Development (MIDIS) through the Ally Wambra (healthy child) project, which contributes to the reduction of anemia in children aged 6 to 24 months in the district of Carabayllo, Lima Peru.
This community intervention is led by a community health agent through educational sessions, home visits and the delivery of 06 videos based on responsive and complementary feeding practices, which consist of creating a connection with the baby’s signals and responding according to his/her abilities in a pleasant environment to stimulate appetite and good eating habits; because multiple interactions occur not only related to the quality of food, but also to the conditions in which the child is fed. In addition, the impact of hemoglobin, anemia status, and kinship behaviors of the caregiver are evaluated.
To date, the frequency of consumption of iron-rich foods has been increased through the care and accompaniment of the entire team of health professionals and community agents. Likewise, help is provided to those caregivers who have difficulties in obtaining a well-baby check-up appointment, thus promoting more timely care.
The first 1000 days of life
This period includes from the first day of pregnancy until the first two years of life of the child, a key stage for its development, since it involves the formation of organs, tissues, in addition to the physical and intellectual potential of the baby. Therefore, a proper nutrition rich in iron and vitamins is necessary, which will define the health for their future life.
Palomino highlighted the importance of recognizing the value of colostrum also known as “the liquid gold”, since it contains a large amount of nutrients and antibodies ideal to protect it from certain infections. She also emphasized the importance of starting breastfeeding within the first hour of the baby’s life, since this action generates the release of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which are responsible for the production and ejection of breast milk. She also called on the entire population to support breastfeeding. “The mommy who gives birth needs support, encouragement and not the quick fix of unnecessarily buying a can of formula, just because the baby cries, formula does not compare to all the benefits and love that breast milk provides and transmits.”
Nutrition is the key to prevent various diseases, both chronic and autoimmune. “It is important to maintain and encourage healthy eating habits at home in order to teach our children by example. Nowadays, it is common to find cases of adults who are overweight and anemic at the same time. Therefore, it is essential to promote breastfeeding from the beginning of life, as a protective shield against disease,” she shared.
Wendy Huamani, a beneficiary of the Socios En Salud Maternal and Child Health Program, tells us about her experience as a new mother:
“At first, breastfeeding my baby was complicated because my nipples hurt and I didn’t have much breast milk. I worried a lot because my baby was hungry and I didn’t know exactly what to do. However, with the advice and help of the entire team at Socios En Salud, I now know that the more stimulation and suckling my baby, the more milk I will produce,” she shared.
From Socios En Salud we would like to extend our thanks to all Peruvian nutritionists. Thank you for contributing to health and human development in the promotion of healthy eating. Happy Nutritionist’s Day! Health for all with justice and equity!
Happy Nutritionist’s Day.