Investing in Early Life: A Key for a More Productive Guatemala
In the departments of Alta Verapaz, Chiquimula, Huehuetenango, Quiché, San Marcos, Sololá and Totonicapán – regions facing meaningful poverty – dedicated health personnel, midwives, social workers, educators, and nutritionists are prioritizing interventions during the critical frist two years of life, a period crucial for child development. central to these efforts is “Crecer Sano” (Growing Grow), a Guatemalan goverment initiative supported by the World Bank, aimed at improving child nutrition indicators nationwide.
The program emphasizes the importance of early feeding practices, beginning with exclusive breastfeeding. “We start with the child’s feeding from day one of life – with exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months. it is of the utmost importance and it is the only food that the child needs in that period,” explains Yoselin Mendoza, a nutritionist at the Potrero Viejo III health post in Quiché. She highlights the benefits, stating, “Breastfeeding is always available, it has no cost. It provides vitamins, minerals and is the best for the child.” Mendoza notes positive trends, observing, “Fortunately, in the communities that we attend, I would dare to say that most mothers provide breastfeeding. We have first-time mothers, and others with several children and have been able to give breast milk without difficulty.”
These efforts are yielding measurable results. A survey conducted in 2024 revealed that 70% of children in the seven departments participating in the program received exclusive breastfeeding during their first six months, exceeding the project’s goal of 65% and representing a significant improvement over the 59.4% recorded in 2022.
The impact of this education is felt directly within communities. Laura Guarcas, a mother from Sicás II, shares, “they teach us to give breast milk, and as the nurses say, if we do not give them milk – then – they do not grow healthy, and become weak.”
Beyond breastfeeding promotion,the ”Crecer Sano” project focuses on consistent monitoring of child growth. “We monitor the growth of children under 2 years on a monthly manner,” says Mendoza.”We focus on the first 2 years of life… if this child reaches its maximum development, its growth will be much more appropriate… and will less affect respiratory and diarrheal diseases that stop their development and directly impact their nutrition.”
This monitoring begins even before birth. Sara Pacajoj, a nursing assistant, explains, “Since the woman is pregnant, we started control so that her baby has an appropriate weight and size at birth. If we detect low weight,we guide the mother about how her diet should be.”
Verónica Orozco,coordinator of the Municipal District of Health of zacualpa,underscores the long-term consequences of addressing malnutrition early. “Chronic malnutrition affects psychomotor development and nervous system… which leads to learning problems, school dropout, limiting their opportunities in adult life.” By prioritizing early childhood nutrition and development,the “Crecer Sano” project aims to build a healthier,more educated,and ultimately,more productive future for guatemala.