In neighboring Sonora, Mexico, more than four in 10 children live below the poverty line.

About 42% of children under 6 in Sonora experienced poverty in 2020, according to recent data. That's nearly 12% higher than among the general population of the state. And it’s one factor the nonprofit Pacto por la Primera Infancia uses to determine early childhood well-being.

"Childhood in Sonora is in a worrisome situation," said Andrea Paz, the group’s coordinator in Sonora.

Speaking during a presentation to state officials this week, she said the group is counting on Gov. Alfonso Durazo to follow through with a pact he made during his campaign to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the youngest Sonorans.

In addition to poverty, the group also looks at vaccination rates, access to medical and other services and educational attainment — where Sonora has one of the greatest lags across Mexico for pre-school attendance.