Fighting child malnutrition in poor areas of Peru

As we begin a new year of work, our focus remains clear: ensuring that children in vulnerable communities have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive from the very beginning of life.

During the first quarter of 2026, we continued supporting families while expanding our efforts to strengthen the broader network of caregivers, educators, community leaders, and public institutions that play a vital role in early childhood development.

So far this year:

•  91 families have received personalized accompaniment and guidance.
• 17 pregnant women have joined the program and are receiving support to promote healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes.
• 22 children have already shown improvements in their hemoglobin levels among those evaluated, an encouraging step in the fight against childhood anemia.
• 405 directors, teachers, and early childhood promoters have participated in capacity-building activities.
• More than 3,000 children under the age of three are benefiting from improved care and educational environments across 340 early childhood education spaces.
• 75 community leaders and stakeholders have strengthened their knowledge and skills to support young children and their families.
• Representatives from the education, health, and local government sectors have also engaged in training activities, helping foster greater collaboration around early childhood development.

These numbers represent much more than participation. They reflect a growing community committed to giving children a stronger start in life. By working not only with families but also with the educators, community leaders, and institutions that surround them, we are helping create lasting conditions for healthy development.

We are grateful to all the partners and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we continue building healthier beginnings and brighter futures for Peru's children.

With gratitude,

United Way Perú

In vulnerable communities in Southern Lima, pregnancy and early childhood often unfold amid uncertainty, limited access to quality services, and persistent risk of malnutrition. In 2025, United Way Perú walked alongside families during this critical stage, providing guidance, accompaniment, and practical tools to protect children’s development from the very beginning.

This year, 102 pregnant women received personalized support through home visits and close follow up. As a result, 91% completed at least six prenatal check ups, 94% of pregnancies resulted in full term births, and 89% of babies were born at a healthy weight. These outcomes reflect the power of timely information, consistent encouragement, and trust built over time.

Our commitment continued beyond birth. We supported 93 children under the age of three through a flexible model combining home visits and virtual support. Among participating families, 72% attended all scheduled growth and development check ups, and childhood anemia was reduced from 62.4% to 17.0%. Each percentage represents a child with a stronger body, greater protection, and improved opportunities to thrive.

We also strengthened caregivers and community actors, promoting early learning, effective communication, and quality of day care services that create an enabling environment for healthy development.

Challenges remain. Adherence to iron supplementation continues to require intensified counseling and follow up, and structural barriers still affect families’ daily realities. Yet this year reaffirmed that early, sustained accompaniment changes life trajectories.

This work is possible thanks to the collaboration of corporate partners and individual supporters. Every contribution helps us reach one more family at the most decisive moment of a child’s life.

Together, we are building healthier beginnings and brighter futures for Peru’s children.

With gratitude,
United Way Perú