CFAs: Early Detection and Intervention System for Hearing and Vision in Comas (Peru)
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The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has launched a new initiative in the district of Comas, Lima, Peru, aimed at improving the early detection and intervention of hearing and visual impairments, developmental delays, and disabilities in children under five years of age.
With funding of $294,363, this project seeks to create a locally coordinated system that ensures timely access to inclusive services, assistive technologies, and early interventions that support the holistic development and quality of life of young children.
The program is grounded in intersectoral collaboration, bringing together the health, education, and social protection sectors to respond effectively to the needs of children and families. Through capacity-building efforts, the initiative will train health workers, educators, and social service professionals to recognize and respond to early signs of impairments. One of the core objectives is to implement a referral and care protocol that facilitates seamless coordination between service providers.
In addition to professional development, the project focuses on practical service delivery. It includes screening activities in early childcare centers, health centers, and schools, particularly within the National Program Cuna Más and early education institutions. Equipment and materials will be provided to support screening and intervention efforts. Specialized protocols will guide referrals, while families of at-risk children will receive support and guidance throughout the process.
The initiative will also work to ensure that children identified with impairments gain access to appropriate interventions, including assistive technologies. Local institutions will be mobilized to manage resources efficiently and sustain inclusive services beyond the project timeline. An integral component of the initiative is the creation of a monitoring and follow-up system to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and ensure continued support for children and their families.
To build inclusive environments, the program will implement a community-based strategy to drive social and behavioral change. This will include awareness campaigns, stakeholder training, and the distribution of educational materials aimed at promoting the social inclusion of children with disabilities. Local authorities, community leaders, and organizations will be actively engaged in these efforts.
The area of intervention includes two Maternal and Child Health Centers, twelve affiliated health centers, the National Hospital Sergio Bernales for specialized care, six Cuna Más daycare centers, three special education programs for children under three, and forty-six early childhood education centers.
The expected outcomes of this initiative are significant. Two thousand newborns will undergo hearing and vision screenings, while five thousand children aged one to fifty-nine months will be screened across health, education, and care services. At least eighty children identified with impairments will receive intervention, including assistive technology. In addition, seventy health professionals and ninety education and social care staff will receive training. Thirty community leaders and local authorities will be involved in advocacy and communication for inclusive practices.
UNICEF’s program represents a critical step toward ensuring that children in Comas have the opportunity to grow and thrive with access to early, inclusive, and coordinated care.
