Quezon City – NPC Blanco calls for actions to address malnutrition problems in Palawan and Puerto Princesa City during the Online Dissemination Forum of the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) on 27 October 2020.
Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute conducted the online forum on the Year 2 results of ENNS. The Expanded National Nutrition Survey is a 3-year rolling survey started in 2018. It is composed of 10 survey components – anthropometry, biochemical, dietary clinical and health, socio-economic, government program, food security, maternal, and infant and young child feeding. The activity aims to provide relevant data on health and nutrition situation at the provincial and city level that may serve as basis for crafting local nutrition action plans, programs, and policies.
Results for children under five (0-59 months old) showed that underweight (25.7%) and stunting (33.1%) were both high public health concern in the province while wasting (9.0%) was assessed as poor based on the WHO cut-offs for Palawan Province. In Puerto Princesa City, prevalence of underweight (16.6%) and stunting (26.5%) among under-five children were both medium public health problems while wasting (6.9%) was assessed as poor. On the other hand, overweight prevalence was low (1.6% in Palawan and 2.5% in Puerto Princesa City) for both areas however, this should not be taken for granted as they will be at-risk to NCDs later in life if not prevented.
In terms of infant and young child feeding, 7 out of 10 infants were initiated to breastfeeding within one hour after birth while 6 out of 10 infants were exclusively breastfed during the first 6 months of life. However, a low proportion of young children 6-23 months old met the minimum dietary diversity and acceptable diet for both areas.
With the ENNS Year 2 results reflecting the nutritional problems present among all age groups, NNC MIMAROPA Nutrition Program Coordinator Ma. Eileen Blanco calls for improved nutrition translating all into actions. She emphasized to ensure that nutrition programs, projects, and activities to be implemented should be aligned with the PPAN 2017-2022 and have a strong advocacy on the First 1000 days. “We are now at the midpoint of the PPAN 2017-2022, and we are challenged to contribute to achieving its goals. All PPAs should be integrated in the annual investment plans to ensure that budgets are allocated,” as she stated during her remarks for Call to Action.
The first 1000 days approach with improved nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood are proven ways to address malnutrition problem for both mothers and children. Stronger promotion for exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding should be done. Nutrition education for pregnant and lactating mothers must continue to improve proportion of children meeting their minimum acceptable diet.
Aside from undernutrition, overweight and obesity should also be addressed by effectively promoting healthy lifestyle including physical activity and healthy diet from childhood to adulthood.
RNPC Blanco urged the local chief executives to build a strong foundation for nutrition through policies and encouraged provincial and city nutrition committee to support nutrition and nutrition-related initiatives in all aspects.
Malnutrition is a complex problem and requires multi-sectoral effort thus strong and united look in the delivery of nutrition programs is essential. Addressing nutrition problems needs action not only from the government but in the community, family and individual level as well. “With our investments and actions, especially in the First 1000 Days of Life, let us ensure that no child is left behind in our battle against stunting and all forms of malnutrition. Let us work together as one region! Kagaya nga ng sabi ng nutrition month theme ngayong taon, tayong lahat, SAMA ALL!” NPC Blanco expressed. (BLVMEstrella)
