1 in 5 children in Ecuador suffers from chronic childhood malnutrition, which limits their growth, affects their cognitive development and reduces their opportunities.
In a joyful atmosphere, children and their parents enjoyed a special moment after months of hard work, dedication, and nutritional checkups. They are part of the META 1001 initiative, developed by the María Gracia Foundation, which, thanks to the support of BMI Ecuador, helped a total of 50 brave children overcome chronic childhood malnutrition.
META 1001 is a project focused on eradicating chronic childhood malnutrition. It seeks to impact the levels of this problem in Ecuador through a comprehensive action plan, implemented in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team, positively impacting the lives of children from conception through their first 1,000 days of life.
The María Gracia Foundation launched the META 1001 project three years ago, with the goal of generating real and sustainable change in the lives of children from the gestation stage to prevent childhood malnutrition. The project has been implemented through community outreaches in the areas of Isla Trinitaria, Bastión Popular, and Monte Sinaí in Guayaquil, as well as in Cerecita and Posorja, in the province of Santa Elena, among other places. There, children at risk of malnutrition have been identified and they have been provided immediate, free pediatric medical care.
Pepita Rebolledo de Zevallos, director of the Foundation, said: “When we started the META 1001 project, we were told it wouldn't be possible. Today, I feel incredibly proud that you are here and that you came with your children, so we can transform the lives not only of the children but also of their families, with the clear goal of intervening, caring for, and supporting children suffering from chronic childhood malnutrition. The success of the program would not be possible without the support of companies like BMI, which actively collaborate with the Foundation, improving the lives of many low-income people.”
«Es gratificante ver el desarrollo tangible de los niños y cómo el apoyo de nuestra compañía puede transformar las vidas de las familias que están graduando a sus hijos el día de hoy. Este tipo de alianzas demuestra que la unión de esfuerzos puede crear un impacto significativo en la comunidad. Estas acciones son parte de nuestra responsabilidad social. En BMI nos sentimos muy orgullosos de poder ver el desarrollo que se logra junto a la Fundación, gracias al dinero entregado como resultado de la tercera edición de la carrera BMI Run4Health. Este año seguiremos y continuaremos brindando nuestro apoyo”, sostuvo Ana Belén Escudero, jefa de Marketing de BMI.
To date, the META 1001 program has graduated more than 91 children and saved 19,000 from critical conditions. It also aims to provide primary and secondary education to continue serving more children in the future.
The event took place at the University of the Arts in Puerto Principal and included the participation of special guests, volunteers, and healthcare professionals.
At BMI, we are committed to positively impacting the community. Chronic childhood malnutrition is a reality that affects millions of children in our country, putting their development, health, and future at risk. For this reason, we have made a firm commitment to help eradicate this problem. We have the capacity and the responsibility to make a difference and contribute to improving the lives of thousands of Ecuadorian children.
