Peru has one of the highest rates of income inequality in Latin America, with a huge disparity between rich and poor. Approximately 45% of Peruvian citizens are characterized by WHO as poor, and 20% are extremely poor. Poverty impacts children especially hard in Peru. Three out of 5 children live in poverty. Non-Spanish speaking children suffer dramatically. indigenous populations that live in Amazonia and in the Andean Highlands have the highest rate of poverty in the country.
Indigenous children exhibit symptoms of stunted growth as early as 3 months of age. Breastfeeding is not universally accepted and babies are fed soup and broth from ages 6-24 months. This is an inefficient and nutritionally deficient means of feading children.
In addition to poor food, indigenous children work at a very early age. They begin as early as age 5 and 6 to perform regular work -- most of which is not paid and labor intensive in support of family activities. In Quechua and Aymara communities, work is highly valued and takes precedence over schooling. As a result, children learn the basics of the first several grades (simple reading, writing and some math) but do not value progressing further. As children grow, their families expect more labor from them. With limited food availablity, low level malnutrition is a constant among indigenous children.
In addition to malnutrition, rates of chronic anemia are also high among indigenous children. This can be attributed to diets that are largely centered on corn and corn derived products.
No comments:
Post a Comment