The right health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life builds the foundation for a child’s ability to grow, learn and earn in the future. Thus, it has been called the “window of opportunity” for a comprehensive package of nutrition and related interventions to achieve significant changes in reduction in child stunting, underweight and wasting, at the same time contribute to complete child development.
This year, the Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of NCR Inc, in partnership with the National Nutrition Council of the National Capital Region (NNC-NCR), focuses on the First 1,000 days during the 29th Annual BNS Regional Conference conducted on November 10, 2015 at the Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern, San Juan City with the theme “The BNSs: Making a Difference in the First 1,000 Days”.
The conference which was attended by more than 300 BNSs from all over Metro Manila together with the guests and resource speakers tackled the important role of the BNSs in creating awareness on the importance of proper infant and young child feeding practices, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for the first six (6) months and giving appropriate complementary food after six months while continuing breastfeeding.
Relevant topics on the First 1,000 Days were discussed by very competent resource speakers namely, Ms. Maria Lourdes A. Vega, Chief of the Nutrition Policy and Planning Division of the National Nutrition Council (The BNSs: Making a Difference in the First 1,000 Days); Dr. Mianne Silvestre, Neonatologist and President of Kalusugan ng Mag-ina, Inc. (Protecting the First 1,000 Days through Good Maternal Nutrition and Infant and Young Child Feeding); and, Dr. Oscar V. Fudulan Jr., Health and Nutrition Referent of ACF International Philippine Mission (Stunting and the Importance of the First 1,000 Days). Lastly, Bro. Renato M. Si, a Feast Builder, gave a motivational talk entitled “HEROES”.
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo, in her opening remarks, expressed her thanks and appreciation for everyone who attended and supported the conference. She hoped that through the conference, all the BNSs will be able to learn the importance of their role in the promotion of good nutrition during the First 1,000 Days. Without the BNSs, nutrition services will not reach those in need in the barangay level.
Department of Health – National Capital Regional Office Regional Director Dr. Ariel I. Valencia gave an inspirational message, urging the BNSs to take on their roles in making a difference in the First 1,000 Days and also in making nutrition a priority in NCR.
Before the conference ended, Ms. Mary Grace P. Tamayo delivered her President’s Report and the future activities of the Federation. She challenged her co-BNSs to scale up nutrition action by focusing on the First 1,000 Days of life to help address the double burden of malnutrition in the region. (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNCNCR)
