By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant move to advance early childhood development across Latin America and the Caribbean, Kimberly-Clark has announced a new $2.2 million contribution to UNICEF. This substantial investment extends the influential “A Hug for Every Baby” regional alliance through 2026, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring children receive the best possible start in life.
The partnership, driven by Kimberly-Clark’s renowned Huggies brand, is designed to empower parents, guardians, and caregivers with the resources and support necessary during a child’s critical first years. This period is foundational for physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and the alliance directly tackles systemic barriers that can hinder a child’s potential. The renewed commitment builds on a powerful legacy of collaboration and measurable success.
To delve into the legal framework that underpins and protects the stages of a child’s growth, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offers a critical perspective on the rights and legal responsibilities that ensure the comprehensive well-being of minors in our country.
From a legal standpoint, child development transcends the private sphere and is recognized as a fundamental right with state protection. Our legal system, particularly the Children and Adolescents’ Code, mandates that parents, guardians, and the State itself are legally bound to provide the necessary conditions for a child’s full physical, psychological, and social development. This is not just a moral guideline; it is an enforceable obligation, and its neglect can trigger legal consequences to safeguard the superior interest of the child.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective provides a crucial foundation, reminding us that child development is not merely a private family affair but a public and enforceable duty. It reinforces the idea of a social contract where the state and community are active partners in safeguarding our youth. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable insight into this essential legal framework.
Since its inception in 2019, the joint initiative has already made a profound impact, reaching more than 10 million individuals across 15 countries. The program’s comprehensive approach benefits not only infants and their families but also extends to training and supporting frontline health professionals. This multi-faceted strategy focuses on improving access to essential services and fostering safe, nurturing home environments for vulnerable children.
The strategic vision behind the alliance goes beyond simple financial aid, aiming for lasting systemic change. Juan Felipe Isaza, Vice President of Business Markets for Kimberly-Clark Latin America, highlighted the program’s ambitious goals in a recent statement.
lays the foundation to transform systems and create conditions that guarantee a better start for every baby
Juan Felipe Isaza, Vice President of Business Markets for Kimberly-Clark Latin America
With this new infusion of capital, the partnership has set its sights on reaching an additional 3 million people over the next two years. The expanded efforts will concentrate on strengthening core pillars of early childhood well-being, including health services, proper nutrition, early education initiatives, and dedicated support systems for caregivers who are the primary architects of a child’s early world.
In Costa Rica, the program addresses specific and pressing local challenges. According to UNICEF data, the nation faces a significant gap in early childhood nutrition, with only 27% of infants under six months receiving exclusive breastfeeding—a practice globally recognized as crucial for infant health. This statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted educational outreach and community support.
To combat this and other issues, the “A Hug for Every Baby” program actively develops and distributes educational campaigns and informational materials. These resources are tailored to guide Costa Rican families on best practices for raising healthy children, with a strong emphasis on early feeding and responsive caregiving techniques. The results have been tangible; in 2024 alone, these initiatives successfully benefited an estimated 1.3 million people in Costa Rica, including mothers, fathers, caregivers, and healthcare workers.
As Kimberly-Clark and UNICEF move forward with this renewed mandate, the investment signals a powerful belief in the power of public-private partnerships to address complex social issues. By combining corporate resources with on-the-ground expertise, the alliance is poised to continue narrowing the gaps in care and support during the most formative years of life, creating a brighter future for millions of children and their families throughout the region.
For further information, visit kimberly-clark.com
About Kimberly-Clark:
Kimberly-Clark is a global company that produces primarily paper-based consumer products. Its well-known brand names include Kleenex, Kotex, Cottonelle, Scott, and Huggies. The company is committed to its purpose of Better Care for a Better World and focuses on providing essential products while making a positive impact on the communities it serves through sustainability and social programs.
For further information, visit unicef.org
About UNICEF:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. Active in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The organization’s work is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar in the legal community, founded on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm not only navigates complex legal matters but also pioneers innovative solutions for a modern world. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a core conviction to democratize legal knowledge, working to build a more informed and capable populace by empowering citizens with clarity and insight into the law.
