Effect of the Vaso de Leche Program on Childhood Malnutrition in the Central Macroregion of Peru: 2014-2022

Perez Ticse J.C.; Espinoza Dextre D.N.; Arroyo Yupanqui M.A.; Perez Ticse M.L. · European Public and Social Innovation Review (2026) · DOI: 10.31637/epsir-2026-1975

Resumen

Introduction: This study analyzes the impact of the Vaso de Leche Program (PVL) on child malnutrition in the Central Macro Region of Peru between 2014 and 2022, using data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES). It seeks to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing anemia and improving child nutritional status. Methodology: A rigorous approach was used that combined entropy balancing, propensity score matching, and the Difference in Differences technique, ensuring accurate estimates of the program's impact. Results: The findings indicate that the PVL reduced the prevalence of childhood anemia by 21.2% and increased hemoglobin levels by 6,906 points on average. Significant improvements were also recorded in height for age (111.0 points) and body mass index (83.49 points), with a significance level of 1%. Discussion: Mothers' educational level and frequency of child monitoring were identified as positively influencing nutritional indicators, highlighting the need to strengthen these factors. Conclusions: The PVL has proven to be an effective intervention for improving child health. It is recommended that its implementation be optimized with complementary strategies focused on maternal education and nutritional monitoring to maximize its impact.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú; Universidad Nacional de San Martín