Alicorp A : Ollas que Desarrollan and Tan Fuertes Como el Hierro

• After an alliance between Alicorp, Juguete Pendiente, Pacífico Salud and the UPC, a health campaign was carried out in Lurín to nutritionally evaluate more than 200 people belonging to 14 common pots.

Every day more than 250 thousand people are fed through communal pots, and although these organizations are a source against the fight against food insecurity and ensure access to food for thousands of families, a problem still persists that thousands of people must face. in Peru: anemia, which has increased to 43.1% between 2022 and 2023 in children from 6 to 35 months, according to the Demographic and Family Health Survey, prepared by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEN).

Therefore, as part of the actions of the programs "Pots that Develop" of Alicorp and "Tan Fuertes Como el Hierro" of Pacífico Salud, and with the objective of knowing the situation in which the beneficiaries of the common pots find themselves; On April 27 and 28, more than 200 people benefited through 14 common pots in Lurín, participated in anemia screening and complete nutritional evaluations, among which are populations in vulnerable situations such as pregnant women, children and older adults.

During the sessions, cases of anemia were ruled out, as well as anthropometric evaluations. For its part, Pacífico Salud carried out the hemoglobin dosage as a starting point. While the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC), through its Nutrition and Dietetics program, carried out an anthropometric evaluation, collecting data on the height and weight of the evaluated population. This information will be associated with the hemoglobin level and the next steps will be designed based on these specific needs for said target population.

"The fight against anemia is a challenge that requires the joint commitment of various actors. During the first year we achieved that 52% of the common pots have information and know about the prevention of anemia. For this reason, at Ollas que Desarrollan, we established a strategic alliance that allows us to reinforce this objective," comments Malena Morales Valentín, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Alicorp.

"Tan Fuertes Como el Hierro was born with the aim of contributing to the reduction of the percentage of children who live with this disease without knowing that they have it, which is why we provide free anemia screenings and join forces to work together to combat this evil that affects the most vulnerable people," commented Guillermo Garrido-Lecca, General Manager of Pacífico Salud.

"At this stage we have joined as a Nutrition and Dietetics program to anthropometrically evaluate the beneficiaries of the common pots, these results will be associated with the result of the hemoglobin dosage found and with this, educational strategies will be implemented aimed at improving the quality of the menus, which will contribute to improving nutritional status and combating anemia effectively. This initiative gives us the opportunity to participate with volunteer students, under the supervision of career teachers, in such a way that we foster social commitment and solidarity in them. putting into practice the knowledge acquired for the benefit of those most in need," said Claudia Ontaneda, director of the Nutrition and Dietetics degree at the UPC.

"The work of Ollas Que Desarrollan not only reflects a joint effort to work together, but has joined forces to explore an initiative that seeks to confront anemia and promote health in vulnerable communities. At Juguete Pendiente, we celebrate the collaboration between different companies that demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when different sectors work together for the well-being of communities to combat anemia," adds Vanessa Vásquez, Executive Director of Juguete Pendiente.

Ollas Que Desarrollan has already trained hundreds of community pot leaders on topics such as nutrition, management, finances, hygiene, among others; and impacted more than 370 common pots with access to food. This year the focus will continue to promote entrepreneurship that facilitates self-sufficiency, as well as the fight against anemia.