This article by Ali Al-kassab-Córdova and published by The Lancet Regional Health - Americas, examines ethnic disparities in the relationship between maternal socioeconomic status (SES) and childhood anemia in Peru. Using data from the Peru Demographic and Health Survey from 2017 to 2023, the research compares outcomes in mestizo, Afro-Peruvian, and indigenous children. The findings indicate that while higher maternal SES is associated with a lower prevalence of anemia, this protective effect is notably weaker in Afro-Peruvian and indigenous populations. This suggests that structural barriers and discrimination limit the benefits of SES in marginalized groups, which could even widen ethnic inequalities rather than reduce them, in line with the theory of "diminished returns related to marginalization." Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for equitable interventions that address these underlying barriers.

The article is an original systematic review study conducted by Gabriela Estefanía Calero Bayas, published by the journal Cambio. This analysis addresses how chronic child malnutrition affects children under 5 years of age in Ecuador and evaluates the effectiveness of public health communication strategies to combat it. The study, which employed the PRISMA methodology and reviewed publications between 2018 and 2024, identified that, although the clarity of messages and the use of digital media are strengths, cultural barriers, institutional distrust and lack of linguistic adaptation significantly limit their impact. Therefore, it concludes that it is essential to adopt an inclusive, cross-sectoral approach that promotes collaboration with community leaders and ensures transparency.

This research article by Paraskevi Seferidi et al. published in The Lancet Regional Health - Americas analyzes the double burden of malnutrition in Peru, characterized by stagnation in reducing child undernutrition and increasing obesity. The authors developed a system dynamics model based on community inputs to identify leverage points in the food system. The research concludes that isolated policies against overnutrition are not sufficient and may hinder progress against stunting due to industry resistance and current prioritization structures. Finally, the study proposes that a transformation in political governance towards a common framework that addresses malnutrition in all its forms is the only long-term solution.

The article highlights the importance of enabling environments for nutrition in low- and middle-income countries, considering three categories: voice, access and ownership. Based on 100 interviews in India and Nigeria, the inclusion of local voices, access to reliable information, community empowerment, removal of systemic barriers, and multi-sectoral collaboration were emphasized.