Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – Recognizing the significance of standard measurement tools, the government and non-government organizations have joined hands to ensure that the anthropometric measurements of the vulnerable groups stay within an acceptable range of assessment. Thirteen municipalities and one city in Agusan del Sur received anthropometric tools on 18 October 2022 at The Farmer’s Inn, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur during the Nutrition Program Management Orientation and Advocacy Forum.

Each local government unit received a salter weighing scale from Department of Health-Center for Health and Development Caraga (DOH-CHD), beam balance from World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines and height board from UNICEF Philippines and National Nutrition Council Caraga.

The salter weighing scale is used for measuring the weight of children aged two years old and below. It is a spring type of weighing scale that is partnered with weighing pants where the child is placed for measurement. On the other hand, the beam balance measures the weight of children ages two years old and above. It is a type of scale that uses a system of sliding weights on the beam.

Height boards given to the LGUs are suitable for measuring the length of babies and infants and the height of children and adults up to 200cm. The board is made of wood and was supplied with a carry bag which makes it suitable for use both in clinics and in rough field work conditions.

The measurement tools were handed over by the OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council Caraga, Dr. Niño Archie S. Labordo, Provincial Health Officer I, Dr. Ermor Lumpay, Health Education and Promotion Officer III (HEPO) Chrisan Ranario, and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Laniebelle T. Angchangco.

A child’s weight is a valuable measure of one’s health and nutrition and is the most reliable indicator of growth among infants and young children. Because of this, it is imperative that the measurement tools used are functional and standard.#MPRayco