Arequipa faces critical childhood anemia and mental health crisis

The Arequipa–Caylloma Health Network has identified childhood anemia and mental health as two urgent sanitary priorities in the Arequipa region of Peru.

Maricela Bedoya, coordinator of the Child Life Stage, reported that between 20 and 30 out of every 100 children evaluated present anemia. This condition limits oxygen to the brain, which can impair cognitive abilities and reduce school performance. Because anemia often lacks obvious symptoms in early childhood, health officials emphasize the importance of regular growth monitoring, vaccination, and hemoglobin testing, alongside preventive ferrous sulfate treatments. The province of Arequipa, categorized by high poverty levels, shows the highest incidence of anemia in children under three.

Simultaneously, Ruperto Dueñas Carpio, executive director of the health network, warned of a critical mental health crisis. Arequipa currently ranks second nationally in the number of suicide attempts and medical consultations for anxiety and depression. To address these issues, the region currently operates 14 community mental health centers, with 12 located in Arequipa and two in Caylloma.