Breathe
By Priscilla de Anda
Food is an essential human right, and lack of access to an adequate diet impacts millions of people around the world. Eradicating hunger and promoting healthy and sustainable diets are central objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda. World Food Day reminds us of the importance of addressing these challenges and taking concrete actions to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food. This issue is especially crucial for children, as it has a significant impact on the future of our society.
In Mexico there are more than 10 million children under 5 years of age, of which 4.1% are underweight malnourished and 12.8% are underweight malnourished and 12.8% underheight malnourished. Today we know that Early Childhood Development is a critical phase in the life of a human being. During the early years, the foundations are laid not only for physical health, but also for cognitive and socioemotional development. Proper nutrition at this stage is essential, as it provides the nutrients necessary for healthy growth, both physically, but also cognitively and socioemotionally.
But how can we guarantee comprehensive nutrition for children that goes beyond dietary intake? As primary caregivers, we often do not have the skills to promote the maximum potential of our children, either due to lack of information, ignorance or even social inequality. And who does not want their children to develop with everything they need to grow fully? Integral nutrition not only implies offering a balanced diet, but also ensuring that our children receive the emotional, educational and social support they need. This means providing a safe and loving environment where they can explore and learn, as well as fostering self-esteem and social skills. Lack of access to educational resources, financial pressure or lack of time due to multiple responsibilities can limit our ability to provide this type of support.
At Un Kilo de Ayuda our approach focuses on working closely with mothers and fathers, recognizing that feeding is not an isolated process, but that we must look at holistic development through the promotion of positive parenting practices, health and nutrition education, and emotional support. This holistic model helps children develop essential social-emotional skills, such as the ability to manage stress, establish healthy relationships, and develop positive self-esteem. By nurturing mind, body and spirit, the organization contributes to building healthier, happier and more resilient individuals.
And this is how our constant evolution today allows us not only to combat child malnutrition, but to extend our commitment to mothers, fathers and primary caregivers, strengthening their capacity for sensitive and loving parenting, accompanying the 23,000 children we serve and contributing to their health and wellbeing. Let us reflect on the importance of nurturing mind, body and spirit; renewing our commitment to a holistic view of nutrition and development, recognizing that true transformation occurs when every aspect of children's well-being receives the attention and support it deserves.
*Director General of Un Kilo de Ayuda
Sources consulted:
- INEGI Population and Housing Census 2020 https://www.inegi.org.mx/programas/ccpv/2020/#resultados_generales
- Nutritional status of children under five years of age in Mexico. Ensanut 2022 https://ensanut.insp.mx/encuestas/ensanutcontinua2022/doctos/analiticos/27-Nutricion.de.menores-ENSANUT2022-14799-72472-2-10-20230619.pdf
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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