The National Nutrition Council – NCR joined the “Oplan Goodbye Bulate” nationwide campaign launch during the National School Deworming Day held on 29 July 2015 at the Mandaluyong Elementary School, Mandaluyong City as part of the Department of Health’s HI5 campaign.

Around 500 pupils from Grades 1 – 6 were given chewable deworming tablets and another round will be done in January 2016 wherein the second dose will be given to elementary pupils as well as high school students.

City Nutrition Action Officer Carmelita A. Abalos said in her message that having worms in the body will prevent the children from getting the proper nutrition that their growing body needs. Also, having worms may cause reduced food intake, anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies. Loss of appetite as an effect of reduced food intake may hinder the physical growth and development of children. Thus, being worm-free will affect both health and nutrition of school children positively.  

NNC-NCR distributed “Gulay” bookmarks and Ten Kumainments flyers to promote and advocate good nutrition among school children. The children were encouraged to eat vegetables and fruits and were discouraged to use electronic gadgets for more than 2 hours a day to promote healthy lifestyle. (TAR/MEVF/NNCNCR)