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- Category: Region Caraga
In maintaining the coordinated and harmonized nutrition activities across its member agencies, the National Nutrition Council Caraga conducted the Q1 CY2021 Regional Nutrition Technical Working Group meeting last February 26, 2021 via Zoom Video Conferencing to discuss relevant updates on nutrition program, projects and activities and technical concerns and action lines. RNTWG members present were: Ms. Teresita Lina Medrano & Ms. Lovely Camancho-Dagupan of DOH-CHD Caraga, Ms. Jennyvie Manabat of DA Caraga, Ms. Jennifer Gaitano of PIA Caraga, Ms. Nelia Balacuit of DepED Caraga, Ms. Evelyn Sitoy of DAR Caraga, Ms. Maida Lynn Jaguit of DOLE Caraga, Mr. Melchor Bautista of PSA Caraga, Mr. Keith Bryan Angeles of FDA Caraga, and Mr. Jundom Senobin of DSWD Caraga.
As part of the updating activities on the current nutrition situation, OIC-NPC Retsebeth M. Laquihon, RND, MPD, MDM started the meeting with a presentation and discussion on the results of the Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The survey is one of the DOST-FNRI’s response to combat the COVID-19 pandemic through the Republic Act No. 11469, also known as the Bayanihan Act, and in alignment to its mandate to fight malnutrition through accurate data, correct information, and innovative technologies. Its general objective is to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on food and nutrition security in areas with high, medium, and low level of risk to COVID-19 infection. Specifically, the rapid nutrition assessment survey aims to determine the following food, nutrition, and health indicators in the context of COVID-19 pandemic: (1) Food security status among households, including household dietary diversity, food access, food sources, as well as coping mechanisms and strategies during community quarantine; (2) Participation of children and pregnant women on micronutrient supplementation (i.e. vitamin A and MNP), supplementary/dietary supplementation, nutrition counselling and related support services, growth monitoring, deworming, and among others during COVID-19 pandemic; (3) Participation of households on food production, food assistance, social amelioration program among others; and (4) Infant and young child feeding practices among families with children 0-23 months old.
NOI Raphael P. Ochavo, RN presented then presented the newly launched supplementation program dubbed as "Tutok Kainan", which aims to help in the prevention of stunting among children ages 0-23 months old by improving the quality and quantity of food and nutrient intake of nutritionally at risk pregnant women and children 6-23 months old. Bu way of EO 101, the Task Force Zero Hunger was created where NNC is an active member. The Task Force divided the hunger problems into six (6) pillars representing six (6) Key Result Areas where a TWG is focused on, these are: (1) to look at the country’s policy environment; (2) to look at food production and see if the country is producing enough food; (3) to end all forms of malnutrition; (4) accessibility of food; (5) sustainability; and (6) people participation. In her speech, Execuvite Director Dayanghirang presented a call to action for TUTOK : T- tap all relevant partners from government, LGUs, academe, CSA, business, UN and development partners to support programs for pregnant women and children 6-23 months;U-upgrade our way of doing business through innovative solutions; T-trigger additional investments in the LGU investment and development plan; O-organize the stakeholders involved in the supply-demand food chain for impact and sustainability; K-kakayanin basta sama-sama! NOI Ochavo also presented the proposed 2021 Nutrition Month celebration activities, which is focused on the First 1000 Days campaign.
NOII Leah Vina P. Vargas, RN, MN also shared to the RNTWG members the NNC Intermin Guidelines in the Conduct of OPT, GMP, Nutrition Screeing in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. The issuance layout the guidelines in conducting health and nutrition activities are still to be done during health facility visits, community outreach and if the situation allows, strict observance of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. The Department of Health also suggests the use of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes thru Department Memorandum 2020-0237, instead of the weight and height measuring tools to reduce physical contact of health care providers to children as an adaptation to the new normal situation. NOII Vargas also presented and discussed the updates on MELLPI Pro guidellines and the 2021 MELLPI schedule, in which few members of the RNTWG has already confirmed their participation.
NOII Ivy Sheryl C. Sablas, RND then presented the updates on the Capacity Map of LGUs and areas for technical assistance and support. The report presented triggered an immediate action for the part of the NNC and the LGUs to find new ways to capacitate the nutrition workers, most especially the Barangay Nutrition Scholars being the frontine worker in the barangays, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt delivery of nutrition and health services and the conduct of trainings.
Lastly, NOII Aldrin S. Atienza, RN, REMT-B presented and discussed the updates on the results of the monitoring of local nutrition committee functionality. A total of 7 targeted LGUs where monitored and was provided with technical assistance as to the management and operation of nutrition programs. Ms. Evelyn Sitoy of DAR Caraga suggested that the reports must be presented and discussed with the local chief executive in order to gain support and create more awareness on their nutrition situation.
The RNTWG meeting was concluded with a message from OIC-NPC Laquihon, encouraging the members of the TWG to continue to support the nutrition program, looking forward for an improvement of the nutrition situation for Caraga Region amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author: NOI Raphael P. Ochavo, RN
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- Category: Region Caraga
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- Category: Region Caraga
Last January 1-31, 2021, Caraga Region observed the National Deworming Month. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common infections in humans worldwide, caused by a group of parasites commonly referred to as worms, including roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) which can impair nutrient intake and malabsorption and these parasites may possibly compete for vitamin A and other nutrients. These worms also feed on host tissues and blood that can cause internal bleeding and anemia due to iron and protein loss. Soil-transmitted helminth infections also causes diarrhea and dysentery, intestinal inflammation and obstruction. All of these could lead to dehydration, malnutrition, general malaise, weakness, impaired growth and physical development and if not treated, death.
STH are transmitted by eggs that are passed in the feces of infected person; In areas that lack sanitation, these eggs contaminate the soil. Eggs are ingested when vegetables are not carefully washed, cooked and prepared. Eggs can also be ingested from contaminated water source and if people are not washing their hands after in contact with contaminated soil. People can also become infected with hookworm primarily by contact of contaminated soil, hookworm eggs hatch in the soil, releasing larvae that mature into a form that can actively penetrate the skin.
The periodic large-scale administration of anthelminthic medicines to populations at risk, can prevent and reduce cases of STH infections. Philippines observes the National Deworming Month twice a year, every January and July to eliminate intestinal parasitism among children as one of the goals of Department of Health (DOH). A synchronized schedule of mass drug administration for STH is done in schools and the community by the DOH and Department of Education in partnership with the different health offices of the local government units. However, long-term sustainable solutions to STH are the most needed interventions to address many factors, including improvement of sanitation, hygiene, safe and clean water source.
(NO II LVPVARGAS)
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- Category: Region Caraga
The National Nutrition Council Caraga, spearheaded by OIC-NPC Retsebeth M. Laquihon, RND, MPD, MDM, meets with the co-founder of the Breastfeeding Nanays sa Caraga, Ms. Rhea Carampatana, to coordinate activities in support of the First 1000 Days Campaign.
Breastfeeding Nanays sa Caraga, which was founded in the year 2014 with only six members, is a support group of mothers who supports the campaign on exclusive breastfeeding and counsels expectant and lactating mothers on good child-bearing and child-rearing practices. As a way of bolstering the effort to advocate for good maternal and child nutrition, in support to the First 1000 Days campaing, NNC Caraga proposed activities that will enable more mothers through the Breastfeeding Nanays sa Caraga to be educated not only on the benefits exclusive and continued breastfeeding but also on the whole pacakge of the First 1000 Days program of the Department of Health and NNC.
The first 1,000 days of life - the time spanning roughly between conception and one’s second birthday - is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations of optimum health, growth, and neurodevelopment across the lifespan are established. Malnutrition weaken this foundation leading to earlier mortality and significant morbidities such as poor health, and more insidiously, substantial loss of neurodevelopmental potential. The First 1000 Days program includes six critical interventions in which exclusive breastfeeding is given importance in the first 6 months of life of the infant.
OIC-NPC Laquihon together with NOII Leah Vina Vargas and NOI Raphael Ochavo presented the PPAN 2017-2022 framework and the eNNS result for the City of Butuan and Agusan del Norte Province as a springboard and basis on the need to put more effort in campaigning and advocating for the First 1000 Days program. Various proposed activities were also presented to BFN sa Caraga to have a colloborative approach in campaigning for the First 1000 Days Program. Ms. Carampatana expressed her interest and pledged for commitment as they continue to pursue their organization's objective to guide and counsel expectant mothers, pregnant and lactating women. NNC Caraga and BFN sa Caraga collaborative activities is expected to commence on the second quarter of the year 2021
Author: NOI Raphael P. Ochavo, RN
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- Category: Region Caraga
February 4, 2021, Butuan City - the Provincial Nutrition Committee Chaired by Governor Dale Corvera led the turnover ceremony of the measurement tools funded and procured by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and IEC materials from the NNC to respective LGUs in the province. NNC Caraga OIC-RNPC Retsebeth M. Laquihon also graced the ceremony. She presented the nutrition situation of Agusan del Norte and emphasized the need to invest for nutrition in the First 1000 Days to prevent child stunting. Mayor Enrico Corvera of the municipality of Nasipit and Municipal Nutrition Action Officers representing their LGUs received various IEC materials and measurement tools that are very useful for nutrition assessment and nutrition promotion and advocacy at the local level.
Governor Corvera stated "We have Agusan Up and nutrition program is one of the components, focusing in agricultural development." The basic foundation of the province is the health and nutrition of the children.
He recognized the roles of the municipal nutrition committees led by the mayors; the provincial government will pass policies that will support the nutrition programs but the real actions are in the municipalities. "The success of the province is in the hands of our leaders," Governor Corvera said.
He also recognized the roles of the Nutrition Action Officers and they will find ways to extend support to the nutrition program manpower.
One of the governor’s personal commitment is to improve their health and nutrition services for the people "tarungon ang nutrition program, not just for compliance but let's a have better program for better results! Let's invest for better future!" He added.
After the turnover, the NNC Caraga oriented the NAOs on the Interim Guidelines in the conduct of OPT, GMP and Nutrition Screening. The guidelines are in line with the provisions of DOH-Department Circular 2020-0167 Continuous Provisions of Essential Health Services during the COVID-19 Epidemic and DOH-Department Memorandum 2020-0237 Interim Guidelines for the Delivery of Nutrition services in the Context of COVID 19 Pandemic under Growth and Development Monitoring and Promotion.
OIC-RNPC Laquihon also informed the MNAOs that NNC Caraga is willing to provide them technical assistance to ensure the important interventions for nutrition programs are integrated to the Annual Investment Program (AIP) and Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) by capacitating their local nutrition committees.
(NO II LVPVARGAS/OIC-RNPC RMLAQUIHON)
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- Category: Region Caraga
Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation No. 559, celebrating the month of February as the National Oral Health Month. This celebration is to strengthen the public awareness on the importance of the good oral health.
National Nutrition Council-Caraga strongly advocates the importance of 1st 1000days of life as we also celebrate the 2021 National Oral health month theme: “Ngipin ay Alagaan Mula sa sinapupunan para sa magandang ngiti hanggang katandaan”. Oral health is an integral to general health and essential to well‐being and quality of life. It is a window to our overall health. Oral health affects nutrition status and diet intake. Similarly, nutrition also plays key role in oral and dental health.
According to Department of Health there are two most common oral health disease affecting the Filipinos wherein 87.4% Filipinos suffer from dental caries while 48.3% of Filipinos has gum disease.
Exclusive breastfeeding during 0-6 months has very important role in preventing gum disease to occur during early childhood days. A well-balanced complementary food, minimizing the introduction of sugary foods during 6 months and above can also help prevent the two common dental diseases from occurring. Early introduction of sugary foods contributes to the prevalence of oral health diseases specifically dental caries in children and it can adversely affect the overall nutrition for growth specifically on their weight and height.
The Department of Health provides oral health services for infants, pre-school and school-age children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens and pregnant women. This year’s theme also encourages everyone to see your dentist every six months. You may visit your dentist at your rural health centers to avail oral health services.
(NO II ISCSABLAS)
