CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA - - - The prevalence rate of malnutrition in the region has continuously declined as reported in the recently concluded Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) Program Implementation Review (PIR) last 10 February 2022.
Underweight has recorded a 2.8% prevalence rate in 2021 with a slight reduction from 2.9% in 2019 while stunting has improved from 7.6% to 6.75% last year and wasting likewise has noted a reduction of 2.2% to 2%. These are results of intensified and improved nutrition program implementation of both the National Government Agencies and Local Government Units amid COVID-19 in the region.
Ms. Maria Gisela Lonzaga, RNPC-NNC Region 02, also shared the National Nutrition Survey to participants. She also acknowledged the efforts of every NGAs and LGUs in the continuous decline of malnutrition in the region despite the pandemic.
“We are very glad for the active participation of every member of the RNC and the LNCs. We worked hard and hopeful for a continued in 2022 OPT plus result,” she added.
In the presentation of the core agencies, the Department of Health (DOH) Region II reported that with their intensified implementation and monitoring of the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) program and the implementation of the First 1000 Days Program together with the advocacy and promotion of the National Nutrition Council Region II that led in the reduction of the stunting cases in the region.
“Now our pregnant mothers and soon to be mothers are interested to know the importance of breastfeeding and proper infant young child feeding practices because of its practicability and health benefits,” says Ms. Nerissa Lingan Mabbayad, Nutritionist-Dietitian (ND) IV-RTAN DOH Region II.
Lastly, the National Nutrition Council Region II has also conducted various capacity and capability training such as Training on Nutrition Program Management, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Local Nutrition Planning workshops that resulted to more skilled and empowered nutrition officers, stakeholders and leaders.
The Local Government Units here also presented their accomplishment which contributed to the continuously decline in the malnutrition cases in the region.###JOHN NESTOR BALLAD
