Brasília, August 6, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Malnutrition, which is serious among the Brazilian population in general, is causing even greater harm to the country's Indian children. A survey conducted by the National Health Foundation (Funasa) shows that this problem affects approximately 30% of boys and girls up to five years of age in Indian communities. Among non-Indian children, the rate is 16.3%.

To reduce the indexes of malnutrition among the population in general, the Funasa Department of Indian Health decided to undertake a series of nutritional reinforcement activities this year. Among them is the inclusion of Indian communities in the Zero Hunger and Food-Grant program. These activities will continue through 2006.

The program will strive for the sustainable development of food production in native communities. One of the goals is for every Indian child to be accompanied in his (her) growth and development, as is cogitated in the plan to universalize public health services.

In Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, the Department already maintains a Malnourishment Recuperation Center, which serves Indian villages in the south of the state. Severe cases of malnourishment are transferred to hospitals in the region, where children receive, on the average, five meals a day. They usually arrive weighing much less than the minimum weight for their age group.

Another program intended to improve the nutritional situation of Indian children is called "the thick soup." This project serves 4 municipalities in Mato Grosso do Sul. An Indian health agent meets with village residents in one of the houses of the village. While he (she) prepares the soup, a nutritionist explains the importance of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and legumes.

With the help of the health agent, a nurse weighs the children and passes along notions of personal hygiene. The food products used to prepare the soup are donated by the community. (DAS)