Visual and dental diseases are the main health issues affecting school-age children in Mexico. Specialists warn that myopia, astigmatism, and cavities are particularly common among children from rural communities, where access to diagnoses and treatments is limited.
According to data from the Specific Action Program for the Prevention, Detection, and Control of Oral Diseases 2020-2024 of the Ministry of Health, in Mexico, 60% of children and adolescents enter primary or secondary school with dental cavities. In rural communities in states such as Chiapas, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Michoacán, this figure can reach up to 80%.
Dentist Patricia Reina noted that, according to the Epidemiological Surveillance System for Oral Pathologies (SIVEPAB), in 2023 it was found that 93.5% of children aged between 2 and 10 have cavities. The specialist explained that cavities are multifactorial and can be influenced by diet, oral hygiene, saliva quality, genetics, and cariogenic bacteria.
Regarding visual diseases, ophthalmologist Claudia Murillo Correa mentioned that a lack of timely detection can lead to significant limitations in children's quality of life, including poor learning outcomes. Globally, it is estimated that between 30% and 40% of people will have some type of visual impairment, such as ametropias or refractive errors, figures that could increase due to the use of electronic devices.
In rural areas of Mexico, myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia are the most common visual problems. The presence of diabetes mellitus also poses a risk to eye health, as it can lead to significant visual impairments. Given this reality, the Genomma Lab Foundation emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges in a comprehensive and collaborative manner to ensure a positive and lasting impact on children in remote communities lacking access to diagnoses and treatments.
