Proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of development, from conception to two years of age, is crucial to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, the neural connections that are established during these 1,000 days of life will leave a permanent foundation, closely related to nutrition and stimulation. Forty percent of adult mental skills are developed before the age of three. Improving nutrition at this stage is a window of opportunity to promote the achievement of a person’s full potential now and in the future.
However, this is not the situation in El Sauzalito, province of Chaco (Argentina), where almost 120 births are registered per year. A significant number of children under 1 year of age are fed with unfortified cow milk, instead of formula. This can be harmful for their health, as cow milk is low in iron and rich in saturated fat. More so, in this area, many mothers suffer anemia during pregnancy.
To help revert this situation, FIDEC carries out the campaign Primeros 1000 días de Alimentación para una Vida Sana (First 1,000 Days of Nutrition for a Healthy Life) at Dr. Arturo Illia Rural Hospital in El Sauzalito. This project is framed under the program implemented by Fundación Yeah! in the region and includes the following healthcare strategies:
- Vaccination.
- Breastfeeding promotion.
- Providing dietary supplements.
- Diagnostic and treatment of intestinal parasitic diseases.
- Control of growth parameters.
- Identification of nutritional risk situations.
- Education on formula milk.
- Coordination of educational activities on drinking water treatment.
This campaign includes regular virtual meetings and in-person visits by infectious disease specialists from FIDEC. The goal is to teach mothers and healthcare workers how to prevent infections during the first 1,000 days of life. For instance, mothers learn how to prepare formula to insure proper child nutrition. Moreover, FIDEC provides dietary supplements and vitamins to prevent birth defects in pregnant women and their babies, from birth until the baby is two years of age.
FIDEC finances part of this campaign with the funds raised at the 2020 charity Open Golf, with the support of many important companies. It also gets support from FUNCEI, which organized the sixth Tea Party and Fashion Show, held online in 2021. Thanks to the collaboration of designer Adriana Costantini and many important corporate sponsors, the Foundations are ever closer to raising the funds needed to provide these children with a chance at a better life.
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