Nutrition for me and all my friends: Chiapas

The first years of a child´s life are essential for growth and development. It is important to monitor the gain or loss of weight and height in order to diagnose malnutrition problems from an early age, to prevent more serious health problems later in life.

Along with the Dr. Simi Foundation, the Amextra team in Los Altos, Chiapas has been able to test for hemoglobin levels in children under six and pregnant women from the communities of Aldama and Chalchihuitán, Chiapas. With this test we can detect if there is iron deficiency in the population and take necessary steps to reduce the anemia. When anemia is diagnosed, our nutritionist works closely with the families to discuss ways to decrease anemia through dietary measures. We also work closely with health centers and are able to make referrals in cases of anemia or malnutrition that require further follow-up.  

During October of 2018, the Amextra in the region of Altos accompanied the Amextra Ocosingo, Chiapas regional team to perform the first anthropometric measurement in this reagion. This first measurement will serve as the basis for the anthropometric and hemoglobin monitoring of children under 6 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. In total, Amextra is attending to 72 infants and seven women in these regions of Chiapas. Also, this year an internal manual was created by the Amextra teams in order to have organized and systematized information on the anthropometic measurement of women and children. This manual will help our six regional teams to have more communication and professionalization of their nutrition and health program processes.