Strategies to Reduce Chronic Child Malnutrition in Rural Areas of the Central Highlands of Ecuador due to Inadequate Nutrition

Childhood malnutrition is a multifaceted issue requiring urgent and sustained attention, particularly in countries like Ecuador, where chronic child malnutrition (CCM) rates remain among the highest in Latin America. This study highlights the complexity of CCM, driven by inadequate diets, poor sanitation, limited healthcare access, and socio-economic inequalities. Rural and indigenous populations are often disproportionately affected, which additionally must be considered. Through the analysis of global success stories, such as in Peru, Brazil, and Thailand, as well as through interviews with key informants, key lessons emerge: multisectoral collaboration, community engagement, education, and incentivization such as conditional cash transfers play critical roles in reducing malnutrition rates. Ecuador’s efforts to combat CCM, while significant, have been hindered by inconsistent implementation, limited community involvement, and gaps in policy integration. Leveraging traditional foods, improving maternal education, and adopting innovative technologies like AI and chatbots offer promising avenues to achieve the goal of reduction of childhood malnutrition. To ensure sustainability, these approaches must be complemented by stronger public-private partnerships, targeted investments, and culturally sensitive considerations. By drawing from global best practices and combining them with localized strategies informed by key informants and community input, NGOs such as Fundación ADHA and their strategic services have the potential to make a meaningful impact in reducing CCM in Ecuador.

PROJECT YEAR

2024-2025

 

PROJECT PARTNER

Fundación ADHA

STUDENTS

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Development and Cooperation, Global Health, Sustainability and SDGs