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Hemophilia is a rare type of disorder wherein an individual may bleed for a longer time after an injury because the blood lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins or clotting factors. This disorder is usually inherited from the parents and the severity of hemophilia depends on the amount of protein factor present in the blood. By virtue of Proclamation No. 1478, series of 2008, yearly, the month of April is celebrated as National Hemophilia Awareness Month to educate the public and spread awareness on this disorder since many are not aware about hemophilia.
An individual with hemophilia normally experiences bleeding in the different parts of the body such as in the joints (usually in the ankles, knees and elbows), mouth and gums, nose, skin (bruises), soft tissues and muscles. Aside from this, an infected person bleeds a lot after receiving vaccinations or injections and notices the presence of blood in the urine and stool. According to the World Hemophilia Federation, about 10, 000 Filipinos are experiencing Hemophilia every year.
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A strong immune system can help us fight or prevent the viruses and diseases that may come along our way. As of April 2, 2020, there are 935,870 (data from www.worldometer.info/coronavirus/) Coronavirus or COVID-19 recorded cases around the world and 2,311 of which are in the Philippines (data from Department of Health). Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. It also contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system.
It is very important to have a strong immune system these days to prevent from being inflicted with COVID-19. In fact, according to Dr. Debra Wilson, RN of Medical News Today, Vitamin C may also help prevent acute respiratory infections, especially in people with malnutrition and those who are physically stressed. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and oranges have the highest amount of vitamin C. A medium whole orange contains around 70 milligrams of vitamin C. An 8-ounce glass of 100 percent orange juice provides up to 125 milligrams of vitamin C.
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On December 31 last year, Chinese authorities alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) of several cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan, a port of 11 million people in the central Hubei province. Eventually, it caused an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus causing severe illness, which was subsequently named SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. As of writing, there are 219,243 positive cases, and 8,967 of which died due to this virus, while 85,745 already recovered worldwide. On 30 January 2020, the Philippines reported its first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year old female Chinese national. On March 7, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed.
With the increasing number of local COVID-19 cases, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte enacted Proclamation No. 922 declaring a State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines on 8 March 2020. Since it was noted that there was a continues increase in the number affected on 16 March 2020, President Duterte enacted Proclamation No. 929 declaring a State of Calamity throughout the Philippines and in line with this, Hon. Maria Isabella Climaco, Mayor of Zamboanga City enacted Executive Order No. BC 533-2020 declaring an Enhanced Community Quarantine in Zamboanga City to help prevent the spread of the pandemic.
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Being a health worker is a selfless job. They leave their homes before sunrise and most of them are away from their families for a long time to fulfill their oaths- to serve and provide health care services to the people. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic once again showed the heroic efforts of the health workers as they serve as the front liners to keep the community and the world safe and healthy. To give honor of their heroic acts, first week of April is commemorated as World Health Worker’s week with the theme “Leaders on the line” to emphasize how health workers often put themselves on the line and at risk to save and improve lives.
Read more: Health Workers: The Leaders on the Line in Saving Lives
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The National Nutrition Council Regional Office 09 convenes the members of the Regional Technical Working Group-Nutrition Evaluation Team (RTWG-NET) during its 1st Quarter Meeting held at L’ Meridian Suites, Zamboanga City on 13 March 2020. The objectives of the meeting which was presided by OIC-NPC Nimfa D. Ekong of NNC RO IX were to present and discuss the following: 2019 OPT Plus results, Plans for 2020 Nutrition Month Celebration, Re-orient the members on the updated MELLPI Pro tool and to be updated on the teenage pregnancy in Region 09. During the meeting social distancing was observed among the members to comply with the directive to help prevent the spread of COVID19.
Ms. Zhalimar Jakaria-Patulada presented the 2019 OPT Plus results wherein its coverage registered at 83.0% weighing a total of 338,479 out of the estimated 407,726 0-59 months old children comparing to last year’s coverage of 75.0%. The province of Zamboanga del Sur yielded the highest prevalence of underweight, stunted, and overweight and obese children with 6.7%, 12.6%, and 2.6% respectively, while Zamboanga del Norte yielded the highest prevalence of wasted with 4.4%. Overall, the City of Dipolog has the lowest prevalence of underweight, stunted, wasted, overweight and obese children with 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. On the other hand, it was noted that Pagadian City has the lowest OPT Plus coverage of almost only 40% which can be attributed to the non-submission of reports by the Barangay Nutrition Scholars.
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On March 23, 2020, the National Nutrition Cluster issued guidelines for Local Government Unit’s (LGU) nutrition action relative to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It has 19 recommendations to all LGUs, non-government organizations and other civic-oriented organizations on the provision of nutrition services to all COVID-19 affected populace. Part of these guidelines is the continued promotion, protection and support of Exclusive Breastfeeding for 0-6 months old infants. In accordance to Executive Order No. 51 or the Milk Code, National Nutrition Cluster reminds the LGUs that breastmilk substitutes such as powdered milk, infant milk formula and other milk products; feeding bottles, teats, commercial baby food donations are permitted and should not be included in the distribution of emergency food packs.
Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the essential actions for infant’s development and survival. The mother’s breastmilk is the sole source of nutrition of 0-6 months old infant because it contains all the nutrients and antibodies needed to support the development and immune system of the baby. When an infant is exclusively breastfed, no other liquids (even water) or solids should be given to the first 6 months of the infant’s life aside from breastmilk with the exception of oral rehydration solutions of vitamins, minerals and medicines. In line with this, mothers should observe the proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of the baby’s life which includes consuming healthy foods and observing healthy lifestyle during the stage of the mother’s pregnancy and lactation. Subsequently, to meet the increasing nutritional requirements of above 6 months old infants, mothers should give nutritionally adequate and safe complementary food while continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond to achieve the optimal growth, development and health.
