La Victoria puts child health centre stage

Nationally, almost 1 in 3 of children aged 5–9 and more than 50% of young adults (18–29) live with overweight or obesity in Peru.¹ In La Victoria, fast-paced routines and the widespread availability of low-cost processed foods make healthier choices harder.

These challenges are especially visible around schools. For many families, food choices are shaped by the built environment, often making healthier options harder to access.

Cities for Better Health in Lima starts in schools, where daily routines are established, and lifelong habits are formed. More than 2,700 children across four schools and their families will take part in practical sessions on nutrition and everyday behaviours, while school cafeterias are supported to offer healthier options. Over two years, the project aims to expand to ten schools and engage 90 women leaders across the community.

 At the same time, more than 45 healthcare professionals across five primary care facilities are strengthening prevention by improving early diagnosis, supporting behaviour change and reducing stigma associated with overweight and obesity.

“We know that health is built by connecting schools, primary care and the community, working from a preventive approach and supporting families in their daily lives,” said Rubén Cano, Mayor of La Victoria. “Cities for Better Health allows us to strengthen this joint work, expand its reach and sustain changes over time. This is the commitment we make to the residents of La Victoria.”

Beyond schools and health centres, the initiative is visible across La Victoria. A city-wide awareness campaign is reaching more than 55,000 people, sharing practical information on healthy eating and physical activity through community outreach and local activations.

Community networks, including kitchens led by local women’s groups and milk distribution programmes, are bringing these efforts into everyday settings, reaching 30 female heads of households and strengthening local leadership.

These activities will be linked to existing district efforts, including initiatives that use public space to support more active lifestyles.

The initiative is delivered through a partnership spanning local government, health, education and civil society. Cities for Better Health in Lima is working with the Office of Education, Youth and Sports, the District Health Council and local health centres, alongside academic institutions and implementation partner CARE Peru. 

“This project brings together local authorities, health services, schools, organisations and the private sector, strengthening their role in building healthier environments. Only through shared commitment will it be possible to promote sustainable change and place well-being at the centre of daily life,” said Marilú Martens, National Director of CARE Peru. 

The initiative officially launched in April with a full day of activities across the district. Partners started the day at the local municipality hosted by the Mayor, then visited a school, a health centre, and the local community for a closer look at the environments shaping daily health choices.

In the evening, city authorities, the Danish Embassy, partners and media gathered alongside women who run the local community kitchens for the formal launch, where local athletes shared their experiences, connecting the programme’s ambition to everyday life in La Victoria.

The next phase of Cities for Better Health in Lima will focus on embedding these efforts into local systems, so that schools, health services and public spaces work together to make healthier choices easier and more sustainable over time. 

1.  Instituto Nacional de S. Situación del sobrepeso y la obesidad en el Perú: informe técnico en el marco del Observatorio de Nutrición y Estudio del Sobrepeso y Obesidad 2024. 2025. https://observateperu.ins.gob.pe/sites/default/files/2025-03/6543630-informe-tecnico-situacion-del-sobrepeso-y-obesidad-en-marco-observatorio-2024_0.pdf