Senators They warn that in Bogotá and La Guajira there are high rates of malnutrition, especially in early childhood.
• Early childhood is the most vulnerable population due to lack of coverage in feeding programs.
• More than 150 thousand boys and girls are not receiving rations within the School Feeding Program.
By: Rodrigo Meléndez Prenk.
Bogota D.C.April 28 of 2024 (Senate Press)Boys and girls continue to be at high risk due to a lack of adequate nutrition, especially in some regions where rates continue to increase, without the presence of the State and with difficulties in the School Feeding Program, among others, due to cases of corruption.
According to the National Institute of Health, so far this year, 6,821 cases of acute malnutrition have been registered in early childhood boys and girls (0 to 5 years), a higher figure compared to the same period in 2023, which had a record of 5,919 cases.
Bogotá and the department of La Guajira are the regions of the country with the highest number of cases of child malnutrition and which have been registering an increase in recent months.
In the first four months of 2023, Bogotá had a record of 972 cases, in the same period of 2024, 1,024 cases have been presented.
In the department of La Guajira, there was a record of 504 cases in the first four months of 2023, in 2024 there is already a report of at least 691 cases.
“In our country, a significant number of foods end up wasted that could be used to reach food banks so that they can be distributed to those families that need them,” said the senator. Fabian Diaz of the Game Green Alliance.
For the congressmen, it is important to articulate actions with the different entities to guarantee the growth and well-being of minors in the country.
“That Family Wellbeing be one with the health ministries, that it be articulated in development plans and that malnutrition be given priority in Colombia,” indicated the senator. Karina Espinosa of the Liberal Party.
On the other hand, a proposal arose from the Senate regarding the serious problems that the School Feeding Program (PAE) has had and that directly affects more than 150,000 minors who are not receiving their rations. The congressmen ask that regional production be taken into account.
“That the PAEs buy directly from the producers, from the children’s parents so that the children have a healthy diet,” said the senator. Catalina Perezof the coalition Historical Pact.
In the coming days, a political control debate will be held for the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare to submit a report on the nutritional situation of minors in the country.
With information from the Senate News.
