Up to the present, the COVID-19 pandemic made extensive impact especially on the access to health and nutrition services.
To address the health and nutritional concerns of MIMAROPAns, the local government units in the region consistently implemented activities to continue the delivery of nutrition services. Majority of local nutrition committees conducted meetings to discuss the approved municipal nutrition action plan (MNAP) for CY 2021, review accomplishment reports on implemented nutrition programs of LGUs and its partner agencies, brainstorm for the upcoming 47th nutrition month celebration, and strategize on the implementation of medical and dental check-ups and buntis congress and proposed plan on the conduct of supplemental feeding in the LGU. These activities are all based on the results of 2021 first semester OPT Plus.
In reinforcing advocacy on Infant and Young Child Feeding and the First 1000 Days of life, production of complementary foods utilizing own food processing hubs were done. The produced food products were distributed to identified malnourished 6 to 23 months old children. In addition, commencement exercises on Idol Ko Si Nanay of mother beneficiaries of ECCD F1K Programs were pushed through.
With strict compliance to minimum public safety health protocols, LGUs continuously conducted prenatal visits, breastfeeding counselling and nutrition education to pregnant and lactating women, immunization of Pentavalent Vaccine (Diphtheria and Hepatitis B), Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) and MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) to 0 to 12 months old children, monitoring visit to report updates on ECCD-F1K Program and Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program, and establishment of community pantries in numerous barangays.
Through the efforts of all hardworking nutrition heroes and front liners, health and nutrition services were sustained, and provided to vulnerable population groups – malnourished children, pregnant and lactating mothers, elderly and indigenous people to avert malnutrition in MIMAROPA Region.
To all our MIMAROPA LGUs and health and nutrition workers, each one of you is indeed a hero. Your hardships and efforts are unbeatable. Kayo ang tunay na bida! Thank you for your service.
(NKSLoyola)
