The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says the Dominican Republic has a high level of chronic and widespread malnutrition. Francisco Roberto Arias Camilla, an FAO representative, spoke last night at the opening of the Food and Nutrition Congress at the Hotel Lina. He said that in spite of the government’s efforts, “in the rural zone, where 60 per cent of the poor people of this country live, malnutrition is more than double what it is in the cities.” Arias Camilla added that the solution is not only to increase agricultural production but to close the gap between those who have access to food and those who do not. In a Listin Diario report, he said the authorities need to make greater efforts and offer more resources to rural zones, especially in health services, education, communication and infrastructure. He also referred to the lack of knowledge about food and nutrition, the problems of food contamination due to mishandling and an unhealthy environment that increases the transmission of disease through foods. He says these conditions should move the government to action.
