The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA joins in the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), pursuant to UN General Assembly Resolution No. 473 issued on 14 October 1992, which was later adopted by the Philippines through Proclamation No. 1157 on 16 October 2006, declaring December 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The theme for 2021 IDPD celebration is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.
The PWDs have greater vulnerability to food and nutrition insecurity. As such, having proper nutrition is one of the key components of care for this part of the population. Poor nutrition is related to greater risk of acquiring non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. PWDs have greater susceptibility due to combined physical and psychological hindrances that affect their way of life.
The observance of the 2021 IDPD aims to generate adequate mechanisms to fully respond to health priorities and requirements of persons with disabilities during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has put the PWD population to a greater disadvantage and increased vulnerability. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Disability inclusion is central to health system planning, development, and decision making and strong, effective health systems should support robust health emergencies management”.
The NNC MIMAROPA is committed to further engage the nutrition sector to help prevent development of any form of malnutrition and ensure a stronger immune system against infection and diseases for the PWD population.
References:
DILG (2020). International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved 3 December 2021 from https://www.dilg.gov.ph/events/International-Day-of-Persons-with-Disabilities/532
WHO (2021). International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021 from https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/12/03/default-calendar/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2021
