THE FOCUS OF THE NATIONAL FOOD SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM

Abstract

The Institute of Nutrition develops since 1987 a National Food Supplementary Program (NFSP). The target population are children and pregnant women controlled by the Public Health Care Services (PHCS). Most of the Institution's resources are invested in this program, which reaches 77000 children and 13000 pregnant mothers. The focus of the actions, the concentration of activities and the impact of the program are measured every year. In 1990, information on a sample of 3738 children, beneficiaries of PHCS was obtained by a cross sectional study done in the 19 departamental capitals. 80% of the children controlled by PHCS are beneficiaries of the NFSP. Mean birth weight and the median of height/age, weight/age and weight/height in the beneficiaries of this program, were significantly lower than in the not beneficiaries, while nutritional risk was significantly greater. Among beneficiaries, the percentage who holds a Pediatric Health Appointment card and attend PHCS is also greater. In the cronologic series evaluated (1987-1989-1990), extreme malnutrition diminished significantly. The percentage of height/age and weight/age below -2DS diminished from 15.9 to 11.8% (t=2.5, p <0.05), and from 7.4 to 5.9% (t=2.5, p<0.05), respectively. The analysis of birth weight shows a significant increase of those with insufficient birth weight (<3000) between 1983 and 1984 (from 28.8% to 36.4%, t=2.5, p<0.05), it remains unchanged up to 1987, ans thereafter (1987, 1988) shows significant improvement (from 32.7 to 29.3%, t=2.45, p <0.05), NFSP is correctly focused on the more vulnerable population and improvement of the nutritional status is evinced among children covered by PHCS.