BANGUED, Abra – The Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) is urged to intensify its advocacy and work on nutrition in the province.

Dr. Virginia Narciso of the Department of Health Cordillera made the call since malnutrition and infant –child mortality rate in the province is rather alarming.

Narcisio said Abra has topped malnutrition rates in the region for years. It also topped in neonatal mortality rate in the region in 2013, under five mortality rate in 2014, and second in infant mortality rate in 2014.

“The high prevalence of child malnutrition and these mortality rates are parallel. If a child is malnourished, he is prone and more at risk to developing illnesses that may lead to his untimely death,” she said.

Narciso said the interventions and programs implemented by the PNC may not be appropriate to address these concerns.

She added some gaps hinder the success of their interventions, like lack of advocacy, inadequate support from top management, lack of awareness of mothers in preparing food, and poor feeding practices.

“Mothers should be oriented on how to feed their children. Enforce strict implementation of exclusive breastfeeding to new born up to six months old.” She said.

She also Urged the PNC members and health workers especially the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, and Provincial Planning Development Office to look into the matter to develop sustainable programs. – Ginalyn B. Brioso