Breathe
By Priscilla de Anda
The situation of millions of children in Mexico is alarming. Despite the efforts made in recent years, the data continue to reveal a worrisome reality: five out of every ten children under six years of age in the country, that is, approximately 5.7 million, do not have access to quality health services. In addition, 6 million children in early childhood live in poverty, which represents 48.1% of this population (CONEVAL, 2022). These figures not only reflect a crisis of inequality, but also evidence the absence of a comprehensive policy that articulates the services and goods necessary to guarantee adequate development for children.
It is essential to recognize that the first years of life are crucial for the physical, emotional and cognitive development of individuals. During this stage, children's brains develop at an accelerated pace, which means that the experiences and environment in which they live during this period will have a definitive impact on their future. However, in Mexico, millions of children do not have access to the basic services that would allow them to develop optimally. Poor health, malnutrition, lack of learning opportunities, violence, neglect and the absence of adequate support for families are some of the conditions they face today.
Studies have shown that early care policies can significantly reduce intergenerational poverty, improve school performance, and reduce the costs associated with long-term illness and mental health disorders. As we improve conditions for children in early childhood, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous future.
To reverse this situation and ensure that all children in Mexico have the same opportunities for full development, it is necessary that the National Development Plan 2025 - 2030 includes a Republic of and for children, one that considers a national policy for comprehensive early childhood care. This policy must be intersectoral, since the challenges faced by children under six years of age are complex and multidimensional. An approach that considers health, nutrition, education, psychosocial development, protection against violence and support for families is fundamental to guarantee children's rights. In addition, it must promote loving and sensitive care from birth, allowing children to develop in a safe, stimulating environment with positive interactions. Support for families is also key, as children's well-being is intimately linked to the stability and well-being of their parents and caregivers.
Investing in comprehensive early childhood development is one of the most strategic and profitable decisions a country can make. The benefits are not only immediate at the individual level, but extend to society as a whole. By investing in the early years of life, we are investing in a healthier, more equitable and productive future. Adequate early childhood development not only improves the quality of life for children, but also has a direct impact on economic growth, poverty reduction and the reduction of violence and crime.
It is time for the federal, state and municipal governments, civil society organizations and the private sector to work in a coordinated manner to guarantee a national policy that integrates and articulates the services and goods needed for early childhood. We cannot wait any longer. Children are the present and the future of Mexico, and as a society, we must commit to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. The inclusion of children in the National Development Plan 2025-2030 is a sustainable development strategy that will benefit the entire country because investing in early childhood is investing in Mexico's future.
The #RepúblicaParaLaNiñez is a proposal subscribed and promoted by the following groups: Compromiso por la Niñez, Pacto por la Primera Infancia, REDIM Red por los Derechos de la Infancia en México, Tejiendo Redes Infancia, as well as civil society organizations: ADIVAC Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral de Personas Violadas, A.C., Fundación JUCONI México, Fundación UNNIDO, Inclusión Ciudadana A.C., Instituto para las Mujeres en la Migración, A.C., Mexicanos Primero, Save the Children, Un Kilo de Ayuda, A.C., World Vision México, and activists defending the rights of children and teenagers.
To learn more I invite you to visit: https://republicaparalaniñez.org/
* General Director of Un Kilo de Ayuda.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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