September 16, 2019
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World Health Organization

Infant and Child Nutrition

Republic of Costa Rica

Abigail Zhang, Forest Hills Northern

The world’s current infants and children are the future. They are the ones who will be the policy makers, the aid providers. Child malnutrition and undernutrition have been plaguing nations for hundreds of years, stunting the ability for children to reach their full potential when maturing. It is crucial that infants are receiving the necessary nutrition; WHO recommends breastfeeding for the first six months and fulfilling nutrition for the first two years after birth to reduce the chance of death. While this is an excellent idea in theory, not all nations possess the resources to provide ample nutrition for its children.

The Republic of Costa Rica, thanks to its progressive healthcare and aid systems, sees relatively low levels of infant and child malnutrition; Costa Rica also has various charity organizations to combat hunger. Healthcare in Costa Rica is relatively cheap, costing around one-fifth to one-third of what an average American would pay, allowing mothers to receive the proper education and care needed to ensure that their children are being fed well. On average, per 1,00 live births, Costa Rica sees 9 infant deaths, a massive decrease from 17 in 1990. This is no doubt due to the aforementioned healthcare system. 

Access to breastfeeding is largely contingent upon a nation’s average income, employment, and social norms. The Republic of Costa Rica would like to collaborate with delegates willing to expand aid offered by the government’s healthcare system, whether that be through increased funding or through a more accessible way to provide medical care to as many citizens as possible. Costa Rica would love to see resolutions that encompass all of the issues previously mentioned in this position paper; education and average income needs to be expanded

  • Abigail Zhang

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