In Argentina, malnutrition affects nearly half of children

Published on : 16/09/2019 – 15:37

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Argentinian deputies unanimously approved on Thursday a draft law on “food emergency” in an attempt to overcome the problems of malnutrition which particularly affect the youngest. Reportage.

Argentina is sinking deeper into poverty every day. An emergency food law has just been passed by the deputies and still has to be examined by the Senate. The deep economic and social crisis that has affected Argentina for two years has worsened further in recent months.

Inflation stands at over 55 % this year and 5 million new people fell into poverty (this year), or 10 % Population. Some 30 % of Argentines – and nearly 50 % of children – suffer from malnutrition.

In a popular district of Buenos Aires, as in many others in Argentina, it is now up to the school to alleviate the great food needs of children from modest families ravaged by the crisis. Many of them arrive in the morning hungry. “At home, they do not eat well, do not dine as they should. Often, just a broth or an infusion,” said Ana Diaspotti, vice-principal of a primary school.

At the end of the line, Argentines demonstrate, almost daily. They demand a response from the government, work, food. Today, it is the social organizations at the end of their rope which occupy the place of the presidential palace.

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