The National Nutrition Council called on all stakeholders to support the First 1000 Days of life program to hasten the reduction of malnutrition in the country. This call was made during the launching event of the National Nutrition Month campaign held on July 5, 2016 at the Quezon Convention Center, Lucena City. Bannering the Nutrition Month theme “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan!”, the launching event aimed to generate and spread awareness on the significance of good maternal nutrition and proper infant and young child feeding practices and the continuum of services in early childhood care and development (ECCD). The First 1000 Days which starts from conception until the child reaches his/her second birthday, is considered globally as the golden window of opportunity to build a person’s foundation for physical growth, mental development, health and economic productivity.
A First 1000 Days Triathlon unveiling the various interventions for the Early Childhood Care and Development Intervention Package for the First 1000 Days (ECCD IP/1000 Days) Program highlighted the start of this year’s Nutrition Month Celebration. The package includes services on nutrition, health, early learning and social services for pregnant women and children below 2 years old. It will be implemented in 10 priority and poorest provinces in the country.
The event was graced by Assistant Secretary of Health and NNC Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores and Quezon Province Governor David C. Suarez. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial was not able to attend the event but she sent a video message wherein she emphasized the importance of ensuring proper nutrition in the first 1000 days to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease later on in life. Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel was also unable to attend but his message was read by Assistant Secretary Flores. In his keynote address, Senator Pimentel highlighted the role of the legislature in securing the rights of Filipino children to adequate food and good nutritional status. He emphasized that in order to achieve development, corruption must be curbed and basic social services such as health must be prioritized.
Also present were representatives from various national and local government agencies and international and local development organizations. About 800 people attended the event including 300 pregnant women and parents of 0-2 years old children who are the targets of the ECCD IP/1000 Days program.
The First 1000 Days triathlon showcased the different services and behaviors expected at each stage in the First 1000 Days – pregnancy (1-270 days), 0-5 months (271-450 days) and 6-23 months (451-1000 days). The participants received various services as they walked through each booth. For the booth for the pregnancy stage, the participants were given iron-folic acid supplements and a dental check-up. They were also taught about proper maternal nutrition. Some pregnant women were also given the opportunity to a free ultrasound service. They also received a Mama Book, an initiative of the Provincial Government of Quezon, which serves as guide to ensure the first 1000 days of a child.
On the second booth for 0-5 months old, the mothers were taught proper breastfeeding techniques and given tips on monitoring proper child growth and development. Kangaroo Mother Care, a method of providing care to children who are born prematurely and have low birth weight, was introduced to the participants.
On the third booth for 6-23 months old, the participants were given Vitamin A supplements and taught the proper way of preparing lugaw as complementary food. They were also given micronutrient powder for mixing in the lugaw with actual tasting which is highly recommended as a complementary food instead of the usual am, and packets of vegetable seedlings they can use for home food production.
“By focusing on the First 1000 Days, we hope to have a healthier and more productive human resource. Our next actions will benefit the next generation. That will be our legacy to our children’s children,” said Assistant Secretary Flores.
In his message, Gov. David Suarez further stressed the importance of proper knowledge and practice during this crucial period and reminded everyone that “it takes a community to raise a healthy child”. Governor Suarez also heeded the call of Asec. Flores for him to be the champion of the First 1000 Days.
The event was made possible thru the collaboration of the National Nutrition Council and the local governments of Quezon Province and Lucena City which are also identified as target areas under the ECCD IP/1000 Days Program. Quezon Province was recognized for its effort in supporting the First 1000 Days program by initiating the Q1K or the Quezon’s First 1000 Days of Life Program.
