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UNICEF Simplified ApproachesBUTUAN CITY- On January 31, 2023 select Regional Nutrition Program Coordinators of the National Nutrition Council and Nutrition (NNC) Program Managers of the Department of Health (DOH) attended the one-day National Orientation Workshop on the Simplified Approaches for the Management of Child Wasting at Joy- Nostalg Hotel, Ortigas, Pasig City.

As discussed by Dr. Rene Gerald Galera, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, the orientation workshop aimed to gain common understanding of what are the simplified approaches for the management of child wasting, including global evidence and research gaps, share the proposed operations research objectives and design, and identify processes, good practices and opportunities for the proposed operations researches.

Nutrition Specialist Grace Funnell of UNICEF Head Quarters talked about the Simplified Approaches: 5Ws and 1H. In her presentation, she mentioned that facilities have difficulties with accessing services due to distance, insecurity or because they are not aware that a facility or treatment is present. The reason why many children do not get screened for wasting and therefore cannot be provided interventions.

Further, Ms. Funnel shared the Simplified Approaches for the management of child wasting to include: (1) Family MUAC; (2) Community Health Worker- led treatment; (3) reduced frequency of follow up visits; (4) admission criteria; (5) use of a single treatment products; and (4) reduced modified dosage.

On the other hand, Dr. Paluku Bahwere, UNICEF Consultant shared related studies on the evidences and experiences on the simplified approaches globally and in the region.

He then presented the operations research objectives and showed a proposed methodology and design for the conduct of a similar study in the Philippines.

The orientation ended with a reflective workshop activity focusing on the possible outcome and impact of the project.

The adoption of the different approaches in the management of child wasting shall still be piloted first to capture better analysis before it will be implemented.

The project will be coordinated by UNICEF in partnership with the DOH.

Representing the National Nutrition Council are: Ms. Jessel R. Bagos of NPPD Central Office, NPC Maria Ana B. Rosaldo of Region III, NPC Dr. Parolita Mission of Region VII, NPC Retsebeth Laquihon of Region XII, NPC Dr. Nino Archie Labordo of Caraga and OIC NPC Marilyn B. Valeza of BARRM.

In the Philippines, the DOH continues to scale-up treatment and prevention of acute malnutrition through the Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) Program that was institutionalized by DOH Administrative Order 2015-0055: “National Guidelines on the Management of Acute Malnutrition for Children under 5 years”.#NASLabordo