he 31% of households with children and adolescents in Argentina do not have enough monthly income to cover their current expenses. According to the results of the 9th UNICEF Argentina Rapid Survey, corresponding to the first half of 2025.
The data reflects This figure is a significant improvement compared to the same period in 2024, when it reached 48%. Relief has been felt more strongly by the most vulnerable sectors, with incomes showing a gradual recovery after years of deterioration.
Improvement occurs in the following situations: The persistent child poverty rate was 46.1%, a decrease of 21 percentage points. Comparison with the first half of 2024, according to the Permanent Household Survey (EPH-INDEC). Meanwhile, the extreme poverty rate fell to 10.2%, a decrease of 17 percentage points.
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“The result of this new wave show is Progress in poverty reduction is fragile; But there are also challenges that must be prioritized on the public agenda to strengthen and accelerate this trend,” said the UNICEF representative in Argentina. Rafael Ramirez Mesek.
more debt
However, the report warns: Household debt increased by 8 percentage points last yearreaching 31% of families (through bank loans, cards, financial providers or ANSES). If loans through virtual wallets, applications and informal channels are included, the proportion rises to 45%.
The increase in debt is particularly concentrated in the following areas: intermediate sector4 in 10 households have stopped paying for some services, and 16% are facing difficulty paying their credit cards. Furthermore, 1 in 10 households Opt out of prepaid health insurance or change your child’s school For economic reasons.
“The challenge in the fiscal consolidation framework is to sustain the social protection efforts that have made this improvement possible,” he said. Sebastian WaygraisSocial Inclusion and Monitoring Expert at UNICEF Argentina. As he explained, recent progress has been linked to slower inflation and policies that: universal child allowance and Feeding benefits.
The survey provides a somewhat positive picture of households’ ability to cover childhood-related expenses. While households in need are now more likely to purchase essentials and clothing and pay for recreational activities, I restrict my diet because I don’t have money. It dropped from 52% to 30%.
Access to basic services also improved, with the proportion of families unable to access a doctor or dentist due to lack of resources decreasing by 8 percentage points.
Concerns about non-fulfilment of quotas and the well-being of young people
The study warns: Non-compliance with food quotas There has been no significant change in recent years, with 52% of eligible mothers continuing to be affected. UNICEF warns that this violation has a direct impact on children’s welfare and development.
Studies have documented the following levels of well-being among young people: There is concern about the increase in bullying at school.increased from 25% to 41% and affected nearly 1 million children. Furthermore, for the first time, online gambling: Four of the teens bet money in the last month.
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