[Latin American pediatrics confronting challenge]

The problems related with health of the mother and child in Latin America are discussed. Due to the fact that the infant mortality rate is still high in many countries, the establishment of rural and peripheral health centers attended by pediatricians, obstetricians and trained nurses are advised; when professional staff is not available, paramedical personnel with a short training on preventive medicine, nutrition and health education may be used. Hospital facilities must be available for more complicated medical services.