Fight against malnutrition and anemia in children and mothers in High Andean Zones
Strengthening of the Paucartambo Health Network through the implementation of a participatory community monitoring system integrating communication technologies in the training of local promoters to combat anemia and malnutrition.
Context of the area of intervention:
The target group, the indigenous community of the Quero Nation in Cusco-Peru, province of Paucartambo, is located at an altitude of 4800 meters above sea level.
According to the official report of the Peruvian state of INEI (National Institute of Statistics and Informatics) in 2017 71% of the Quero community lives in extreme poverty, there is no electricity supply and 95% have no access to drinking water. The Human Development Index according to the UN is 0.181, ranking 1706 out of 1869 in Peru (Table PDLC: 19 Human Development Index).
“In terms of poverty, according to INEI data, the province of Paucartambo is one of the poorest in the Cusco region, 87.6% of the population is poor and 62% of the population is extremely poor; this situation is a consequence of underemployment and unemployment, since most of the population is engaged in agricultural activity, which does not generate high income due to the presence of unfavorable climatic factors and others.” (Source; Paucartambo Concerted Development Plan 2017).
The effects of climate change are clearly visible in the area of the Q’ero Nation. It is necessary to apply adaptation mechanisms that demand knowledge and methods to assimilate the impacts of climate change to traditional lifestyles. These conditions contribute to the high prevalence of bronchial and diarrheal diseases. In particular, the mortality rate of infants and pregnant women is extremely high.
Target
Improving the living conditions of children and mothers in the region by adopting health care measures. Gradually strengthening the local health system by respecting traditional knowledge and local conditions. Training will be provided to families in hygiene, nutrition and food sovereignty. The use of traditional knowledge and the use of medicinal plants and nutritional habits will be highlighted. Health care in the Q’eros communities will be linked to the existing state health network. Networking with these structures will guarantee a mutual exchange and the establishment of a learning system for the Project implementers as well as the active participation of the community. 50 Mothers of the “Q’ero Nation” will be certified as “promoters against anemia”. It is our objective that the project is scientifically accompanied from the beginning and for this we count on the valuable commitment of internationally recognized academic institutions. This process will allow the acquisition of verifiable knowledge so that it is possible to influence the local authorities for decision making and that the success of the measures becomes visible.
Beneficiaries and location:
Q’ero Nation, 4000 masl Region Cusco, Province Paucartambo, district of Paucartambo
Direct beneficiaries: 334 families; 1671 people; 236 children from 0 to 4 years old.
Indirect beneficiaries: 3000 people.
Strategic allies:
- Ministry of Health Peru.
- Ministry of Culture Peru
- Provincial Municipality of Paucartambo.
- CADEP José María Arguedas: Non-Governmental Organization of Local Support- Cusco.
- Native Communities of the Q’ero Nation.