“According to the Demographic and Family Health Survey (Endes), child chronic malnutrition (DCI) in rural areas of the country contracted 30.9 percent as of the first half of 2010, with which Peru is about to accomplish its goal set at the beginning of the current administration,” Hidalgo stated.

He recalled that in 2000, child chronic malnutrition stood at 40.2 percent and declined only 0.1 percentage points to 40.1 by 2005.

However, after five years and due to several factors including an economic incentive for the poorest families in the country, the current rate is 30.9 percent.

Good results can be largely attributed to the participation of the poorest families in the Juntos program, because there is a commitment of shared responsibility.

They are given 200 soles (some US$ 70) every two months and families must take children to their medical checkup and school.

(END) NDP/JOT/PSY/RMB