In the framework of World Food Day, The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (LCNH) of the UNAM Faculty of Medicine carried out, on October 16, a series of academic activities with the aim of reflecting on actions for the right to food. Dr. Elvira Sandoval Bosch, Coordinator of this race, welcomed the attendees to the great event.
During the activity carried out in the “Dr. Alberto Guevara Rojas”, Dr. Ana Carolina Sepúlveda Vildósola, Director of the Faculty, expressed: “This day invites us to become aware and act to build more fair, inclusive and sustainable food systems”. Likewise, he highlighted that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to raise awareness about global food problems, highlighting that 733 million people suffer from hunger in the world.
“The Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition has a unique responsibility to offer science-based solutions. The challenges are immense, but so are the opportunities to improve the lives of millions of people. I hope that this event inspires us to continue working with determination to guarantee that the right to food is a reality for all people without exception.”indicated Dr. Sepúlveda Vildósola.
Food as a human right
In his keynote lecture, Dr. José Narro Robles, former federal Secretary of Health and former Rector of the UNAM, addressed crucial issues about public health in Mexico. “Four out of 10 Mexicans face health problems such as prediabetes and hypertension, this is an indication of the importance of prevention and nutrition education,” he said. In this sense, he emphasized the need for effective public policies to improve food security. “Almost 1 in 5 Mexicans lack access to nutritious food,” he stated.
Likewise, he urged young people to actively participate in the transformation of the country. “You can change the outlook of the country. It is a duty because of the importance of the University where they are, the best in Mexico.” Dr. Narro Robles concluded his speech by encouraging future health professionals to be authentic, consistent, and to participate in public affairs, emphasizing that life is about seeking happiness and satisfaction must be found in serving others. the others.
The right to food with a gender perspective
During this round table in which Dr. Luis Fernando Espinosa Camacho, LCNH academic and moderator of said activity, asked a series of questions that aimed to highlight the current context of women and the LGBTIQ+ community, specifically women. trans, as well as the need for laws and political actions that ensure their right to food.
Dr. María del Carmen Jiménez, representative of the Internal Commission for Gender Equality of the Faculty of Medicine, commented: “It is crucial to integrate the gender perspective in food, since women, who produce between 60 and 80 percent of food, face inequalities that limit their access. This impacts not only food security, but also maternal and child health and comprehensive development.”
“Food insecurity seriously impacts LGBTIQ+ people, who face social exclusion and limitations in access to employment and resources. The creation of community initiatives, such as soup kitchens, is crucial to mitigate this problem and guarantee the right to food in these vulnerable groups.”said teacher José Ramón Aguilar, LCNH teacher of the subject “Gender Perspective in Food.”
Regarding how food insecurity disproportionately affects women due to gender inequalities and the division of labor, Dr. Débora Herrera, professor at the LCNH and holder of the subject “Gender Perspective in Food”indicated that food insecurity is more frequent among women, reflecting gender inequalities in the distribution of food and assigned roles. Women, responsible for food and care work, face devaluation and precariousness, which limits their access to resources and perpetuates cycles of dependency and vulnerability.
Strategies to fulfill the right to food
In this discussion, also moderated by Dr. Luis Fernando Espinosa Camacho, the speakers addressed the complexities of access to nutritious foods. Also, they shared their perspectives on the importance of implementing effective policies that guarantee this fundamental right and knowing the actions that each of the participants develops from their respective positions to promote the right to food.
“The Ministry of Health, in the sector in which I work, which is chronic diseases, promotes the right to food through multidisciplinary programs that address chronic diseases. “Through mutual aid groups and nutritional education, we seek to offer a comprehensive approach that promotes healthy habits and guarantees access to adequate nutrition for all.”said Dr. Nelly González, nutritionist attached to the Adult Health Program of the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control of the Ministry of Health.
For his part, Dr. Luis Bracamontes Nájera, professor at the National School of Earth Sciences at UNAM, indicated: “Civil society plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the right to food, demanding its compliance from the State. Although it is the government’s responsibility to ensure these rights, we all have a duty to facilitate their realization, recognizing that access to adequate food depends on multiple interconnected rights.”
Mr. Omar Naranjo Mondragón, representative of the Subdirectorate of Community Kitchens, provided information about this great project that almost completely covers Mexico City. He explained the logistics network that is maintained within the dining rooms and how they manage to maintain an affordable price and good food in quantity.
Call to action. From the youth of Science of Human Nutrition
In this activity, the LCNH students mentioned various proposals for its development and application in the Faculty of Medicine. Among the ideas provided was the creation of a market established in different parts of the Ciudad Universitaria campus that would be made up of local farmers, with the purpose of promoting local consumption.
Photographs: Brisceida Lopéz
Similarly, the creation of gardens in primary schools in the state of Oaxaca was proposed to raise awareness at an early age about the importance of good nutrition. In this way, students receive an education with a comprehensive perspective that brings together humanistic and not just theoretical aspects.
Finally, Dr. Espinosa Camacho thanked all attendees for their active participation.
Fernando Jacinto
