Peru and Colombia implement community-based nutrition programs

childhood anemia school feeding programs public health initiatives community nutrition social development

In Peru, the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion (Midis) is prioritizing a plan to combat childhood anemia by strengthening community kitchens and popular dining halls nationwide. This initiative aims to support approximately 79,464 individuals through enhanced nutritional resources.

Simultaneously, the Peruvian Ministry of Health (Minsa) has focused on reducing patient wait times and preparing for environmental challenges such as El Niño. The ministry also recently concluded a national vaccination campaign that distributed over 6.2 million doses.

In Colombia, the Cundinamarca Department has expanded its 'PAE Nuestro' school feeding program. Originally launched as a pilot in 2024 by Governor Jorge Emilio Rey, the model utilizes community action boards to manage resources. The program now provides nutritious meals to over 16,000 students across more than 300 schools, sourcing ingredients from local farmers to support the regional economy.