Severe Child Food Poverty Affects 9% of Cuban Children, UNICEF Reports
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has included Cuba in its Child Nutrition Report for the first time, revealing alarming statistics about child food poverty on the island.
By diariodecuba.com
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has included Cuba in its Child Nutrition Report for the first time, revealing alarming statistics about child food poverty on the island. The report, published on Wednesday, indicates that 9% of Cuba’s child population suffers from severe food poverty. This classification means these children have access to a maximum of only two out of the eight essential food items needed for a healthy life.
Despite UNICEF’s recognition that the overall incidence of severe food poverty in Cuba is low, the presence of this issue highlights a significant erosion in child welfare, traditionally a stronghold of the Cuban government. However, the UNICEF office in Cuba has not addressed these findings publicly, continuing instead to emphasize on its website the “high level of protection and development afforded to Cuban children”.
Key Findings:
- Diet Composition: Among children suffering from severe food poverty, four out of five are nourished primarily by breast milk and/or dairy products, alongside a basic starch-rich food such as rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10% consume fruits and vegetables, and fewer than 5% have access to eggs, meat, poultry, or fish.
- Comparative Statistics: Across Latin America, severe child food poverty affects 9% of children (approximately 5 million), while moderate food poverty impacts 28% (around 18 million). Globally, 27% of children (181 million) experience severe food poverty in their early years, with Somalia having the highest incidence at 63%.
Contributing Factors:
UNICEF attributes severe child food poverty to precarious food environments, poor dietary practices, and household income poverty. These issues have worsened in Cuba in recent years, suggesting that the socialist policies upheld by the Cuban regime have failed to eliminate, and may even have exacerbated, existing inequalities.
- Income Poverty: Families lack the financial means to provide a nutritious and varied diet for their children.
- Healthcare Services: The health systems do not offer essential nutrition services to young children.
UNICEF has called on governments of affected countries, including Cuba, to ensure that policies and regulations in food systems, healthcare, and social protection are coherent and free from conflicts of interest, including those involving the food and beverage industry. These measures are necessary to address the root causes of severe child food poverty.
Broader Concerns:
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) and the Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (REDESCA) have expressed deep concerns about the worsening food insecurity in Cuba. This situation disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, adolescents, and individuals with chronic illnesses, significantly affecting their quality of life.
The Food Monitor Program has also noted the adverse effects of nutrient deficiencies, food safety issues, and stress related to food insecurity on the health of Cubans.
Summary and Recommendations:
The inclusion of Cuba in UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Report brings to light significant challenges in child welfare that have been overlooked and underreported by the Cuban government. It underscores the need for urgent action to address food poverty and improve the overall nutritional landscape in Cuba. This involves not only addressing income disparities but also ensuring robust health and nutrition services for all children.
Read the full article in English on diariodecuba.com, assisted by Google Translate.