Policies and interventions addressing child undernutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Child undernutrition remains a major public health issue in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), driven by structural inequalities. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on policies, programs, and interventions addressing child undernutrition in the region.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library without language or time restrictions. Studies evaluating or describing implemented policies, programs, or interventions targeting undernutrition in children.

RESULTS

A total of 81 studies were analyzed. Most focused on national-level interventions using quantitative designs. Nutrition-sensitive strategies, particularly cash transfer programs, were most frequently evaluated. Stunting was the main outcome. Findings were heterogeneous: about one-third reported reductions in undernutrition, while most showed mixed or limited effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Although policies in LAC have evolved toward multisectoral approaches, their impact remains uneven. Strengthening governance, coordination, and implementation is key to achieving sustained reductions in child undernutrition.