Social determinants of health and chronic early childhood undernutrition in vulnerable urban communities in Colombia

Determinantes sociales de la salud y la desnutrición crónica en la primera infancia en comunidades urbanas vulnerables colombianas

Introduction: chronic childhood malnutrition (CCMN) is a global issue affecting millions of children, especially in middle-income and low-income countries. This phenomenon, resulting from a variety of factors, carries serious sequelae on a child´s growth, and physical and cognitive development. Addressing this problem by analyzing the social determinants of health (SDH), provides a broad view of the need of impacting each of these factors. Lack of accessing essential nutrients linked to factors such as poverty, discrimination and social inequalities have a direct impact on child nutrition. The problem is aggravated by living conditions, especially in rural areas, where access to basic services such as drinking water and sanitation is limited. Objective: to analyze the SDH present in vulnerable urban communities in Bogotá, related to CCMN. Discussion and conclusion: understanding these determinants is fundamental to tackle this problem and design comprehensive public policies considering the complete territorial and social reality in combating child malnutrition. However, assuming this great challenge requires comprehensive actions addressing inequalities, from poverty to ethnic identity, ensuring equal opportunities, access to health and nutrition services, and community empowerment promotion.