Mexico City – A new report highlights the persistent challenge of childhood growth delay in Mexico and across Latin America, exacerbated by poverty and increasingly impacted by global factors like food inflation and climate change. Experts emphasize early diagnosis and intervention, alongside comprehensive nutrition programs, as crucial to mitigating lifelong consequences.
Childhood growth delay affects an estimated 144 million children under five worldwide, representing 22% of the global child population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).While latin America has seen some progress in recent decades, meaningful disparities remain, particularly in rural areas and indigenous communities, data from WHO and UNICEF indicate.
Novo Nordisk Mexico stresses the importance of early treatment wiht biosynthetic hormone replacement therapies, noting children who begin treatment sooner experience greater benefits. “It is very important that, by noticing any symptoms that indicate a growth delay, they go with a pediatric endocrinologist to perform the necessary diagnostic tests,” says Angélica Licona, senior medical manager of rare diseases at Novo Nordisk Mexico.
Experts also point to the lasting impact of childhood malnutrition, reducing cognitive advancement, limiting educational opportunities, and hindering future employment prospects.”Programs such as school food are key to guaranteeing a varied and balanced diet, which includes products of animal origin that many families with low resources cannot provide,” stated a researcher, adding, “Any policy that reduces poverty and inequality will have positive effects on the stature and development of children.”
The issue is central to the UN Lasting Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eradicate all forms of malnutrition by 2030. However,progress is being hampered by rising food costs and the effects of a changing climate. Addressing growth delay requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing accurate endocrinological diagnoses, robust nutrition initiatives, improved access to healthcare, and provisions for clean water and sanitation.
