Program Overview
The Mexican government, through its program “Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz,” in collaboration with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Secretariat of Education Public (SEP), has conducted a nationwide screening effort targeting over 4 million students across more than 27,000 public schools.
Program Director Zoé Robledo’s Statement
“This is the first national-scale screening effort with individual nominal records, evaluating each girl and boy, allowing for follow-up at their nearest medical unit,” said Zoé Robledo, the IMSS’s general director.
Key Findings
- Almost 37% of primary school children have issues related to overweight or obesity.
- More than half (55%) of the children have dental caries.
- 35% of the children exhibit visual acuity deficiencies.
- 13% of the children have low weight, associated with nutritional deficiencies or growth issues.
Regional Distribution of Health Issues
The states with the highest prevalence of obesity and overweight among children are Campeche, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Tabasco, and Baja California Sur. Meanwhile, Guerrero, Puebla, and Tlaxcala have the highest percentages of dental problems.
Government Response
President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the urgency of these health findings. “If a child with overweight or obesity continues this way throughout their life, they may develop diabetes, hypertension, or even kidney diseases. This program aims to prevent and build a healthy lifestyle from childhood,” she stated.
Sheinbaum also announced that parents will receive individual reports of their children’s diagnoses and guidance on seeking public or private healthcare services if needed, starting with the upcoming school term.
Education Secretary Mario Delgado emphasized the training of teachers to actively participate in these health detection and promotion strategies.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the program “Vive Saludable, Vive Feliz”? It’s a nationwide initiative by the Mexican government in collaboration with IMSS and SEP to screen primary school children for health issues.
- What are the main findings of the program? Nearly 37% of children have overweight or obesity issues, more than half (55%) suffer from dental caries, and 35% have visual acuity deficiencies.
- Which states have the highest prevalence of these health issues? Campeche, Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Tabasco, and Baja California Sur have the highest obesity and overweight rates. Guerrero, Puebla, and Tlaxcala have the most dental problems.
- What actions is the government taking in response to these findings? Parents will receive individual reports of their children’s diagnoses, and teachers are being trained to promote health awareness in schools.
