Philippine Coast Guard assisting in the delivery of Ready to Use Supplementary Foods (RUSF) to the municipalities of Palawan

Palawan -- This pandemic season, the government is giving utmost priority to the health of all Filipino families especially those who are nutritionally at-risk. The Department of Health (DOH) through the National Nutrition Council (NNC) has provided Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) to reach those vulnerable in Palawan province.

RUSF is given to 6-59 months old children who are diagnosed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and to pregnant and lactating women who are nutritionally at-risk and energy-deficient. 

According to Provincial Nutrition Action Officer (PNAO) Rachel Paladan, the provision of RUSF to the municipalities is part of the government's expanded and stronger focus on the issue of malnutrition under Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM).

“Isa ito sa intervention natin katuwang ang DOH, kasi ngayong panahon ng pandemic talagang focus tayo sa nutrition lalo na sa atin sa Palawan, malaking tulong ito. And of course, under din ito ng PIMAM program na malaki ang contribution sa pagpababa ng malnutrition prevalence rate kahit papano,”  as stated by PNAO Paladan.

RUSF distribution to the municipalities and barangays of Palawan was administered by the Provincial Nutrition Office under Provincial Government  of  Palawan. The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) and Philippine Marines also provided a huge help in transporting these commodities.

Over the past years, OPT results showed that there is a decreasing trend in the prevalence rates of undernutrition among 0-59 months old children in Palawan. However, malnutrition remains a challenge in the province,  thus nutrition interventions should continuously be supported and sustained through the combined efforts of the national agencies, local government units and other stakeholders.

(Cyrus Kim D. Claridad/PGO-Palawan)