Public policies and institutional disinterest: lack of municipal action in response to childhood anemia prevalence

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-2407

Keywords:

Childhood anemia, Local governments, Institutional disinterest, Public policies, Municipal management, Intergovernmental coordination, Child health, Institutional capacity

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood anemia affects children under three years old in vulnerable regions with limited access to healthcare. Despite national efforts, the results are limited, requiring a review of policies and the application of local intersectoral approaches. In Sachaca (Arequipa), gaps are identified between normative design and its execution, due to factors such as limited technical capacity, scarce budget allocation, and low political will. Methodology: The study, with a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional design, was conducted between September and November 2024 in public educational institutions in Sachaca, Arequipa. Results: 32% of the 804 evaluated children have anemia, revealing deficiencies in the local implementation of public policies and limited nutritional coverage. Prevalences vary between 0% and 67%, reflecting social and educational inequalities. Some schools with low anemia levels suggest replicable protective factors, although small sample sizes limit the representativeness of the results. Discussions: Anemia remains a serious public health issue, reflecting social and territorial inequalities. It is crucial to implement comprehensive and territorialized strategies that address its underlying causes and promote healthy habits in vulnerable communities. Conclusions: The analysis reveals that in several educational institutions, anemia exceeds critical thresholds, requiring differentiated interventions.

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Author Biographies

Elena G. Martínez-Puma, Catholic University of Santa María

Doctorate in Management and Educational Sciences from the UMSNH (Mexico), with a Master's Degree in Teaching, Curriculum and Research and a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Sciences (UNAP). She has additional training in Communication Teaching, University Assessment and Accreditation, Social Responsibility and Distance Learning. With 23 years of experience in primary and higher education, she is currently a research professor at the Catholic University of Santa María and a member of RENACYT, level V. She presents research at international conferences (Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Brazil and Chile), addressing topics such as educational reform, quality, curriculum and social responsibility. She publishes in indexed journals such as Scopus and Web of Science and specialised books, standing out as a specialist in education.

Fernando Farfán-Delgado, Catholic University of Santa María

Administrative Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Santa María. Dean of the Faculty of Human Medicine. Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Human Medicine at UCSM. Founder of the Simulation Centre at the Faculty of Medicine at the Catholic University of Santa María. Second Specialisation in Pulmonology. Doctor of Medicine - Catholic University of Santa María. Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences - Catholic University of Santa María. Bachelor's Degree in Human Medicine. Founding member of the Arequipa Branch of the Pulmonology Society. Member of ALAT - Latin American Thoracic Association. Founding member of the Peruvian Academy of Health. Member of the Society of Internal Medicine – Arequipa Branch. Member of the National Academy of Medicine 2024. President of the Peruvian Association of Medical Schools.

Edgar Montánchez-Carazas, Catholic University of Santa María

Doctor of Medicine – Catholic University of Santa María. Master of Biomedical Sciences – Catholic University of Santa María. Surgeon – National University of San Agustín. Second Speciality in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery – National University of San Marcos. Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Human Medicine. Head of Department at the Faculty of Human Medicine. Founder of the Simulation Centre at the Faculty of Human Medicine, UCSM. Founding Member of the Peruvian Society of Thoracic and Vascular Cardiac Surgery. Full Member of the Peruvian Society of Pulmonology. Member of FLASIC (Latin American Federation of Clinical Simulation) – Member of the ASPEFAM Clinical Simulation Network. Internship at Equipo SAO Beneficencia Portuguesa Sao Paulo Brazil.

Alejandro Miranda-Pinto, Catholic University of Santa María

Doctor of Medicine – Catholic University of Santa María. Master of Health Sciences – Catholic University of Santa María. Bachelor of Medicine – National University of San Agustín. Surgeon – National University of San Agustín. Specialist in Rheumatology – National University of San Agustín. Dean of the Faculty of Human Medicine at UCSM. Head of the Academic Department of Human Medicine – Catholic University of Santa María. University professor – Catholic University of Santa María. Rheumatologist at Carlos Alberto Seguin Escobedo Hospital for 35 years, holding the following positions: Head of the Department of Medicine I. Head of the Rheumatology Service. Head of the Musculoskeletal Division. President of the Pharmacological Committee. President of the Audit Committee.

References

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Published

2025-09-10

How to Cite

Martínez-Puma, E. G., Farfán-Delgado, F., Montánchez-Carazas, E., & Miranda-Pinto, A. (2025). Public policies and institutional disinterest: lack of municipal action in response to childhood anemia prevalence. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-2407

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

MISCELLANEOUS

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Copyright (c) 2025 Elena G. Martínez-Puma, Fernando Farfán-Delgado, Edgar Montánchez-Carazas, Alejandro Miranda-Pinto

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