Children’s health under five years age inside the Wayuu community according to their culture

Abstract

The current paper addresses the issue of child malnutrition that affects de Wayuu community located in the north part of Colombia. The analysis here exposed, is focused on a specific population group: the early childhood, it means newborns to 5 years old children. This research starts with a light review of some cultural aspects from the Wayuu community that will help the person who analyzes this issue to understand from the indigenous vision that is the one that has fought this situation from the beginning. Then, this paper continues with a deep look into the actions that are being taken to face and resolve this national concern situation and the development and consequences of these ideas. The studies done reflected a high rate of malnourishment in the children. These range from, diarrhea, parasitic, severe infections of the digestive and respiratory system, among some other diseases. On the other hand, some research articles show how corruption has slowed down some efforts to help the Wayuu community. The Wayuu children’s malnutrition issue is a topic that reflects some of the darkest spots in Colombian society.