10 January 2020, Cagayan de Oro City – The recent Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus report in 2019 revealed that 2.2% or 10,248 preschool children are overweight in Northern Mindanao. The three-year trend (2017-2019) on overnutrition showed that prevalence is increasing from 1.9% to 2.2%.
Among the five (5) provinces and nine (9) Cities in the region, the cities of Iligan and Oroquieta have the highest prevalence with 6.3% and 6.2% respectively, and Camiguin province with 3.8. But high prevalence is evident at the municipal level. Out of the 84 municipalities in Region X, 6 municipalities in the province of Lanao del Norte are in top 10, Salvador (11.29%), Kauswagan (8.15%), Maigo (7.86%), Baroy (7.65%), Kolambugan (5.94%) and Tubod (4.96%). The other municipalities included in top 10 are Lantapan, Bukidnon (7.69%), Catarman, Camiguin (6.90%), and 2 municipalities from Misamis Oriental, namely: Binuangan (6.68%) and Manticao (5.42%).
Based on the classification of World Health Organization (WHO) for assessing the severity of malnutrition among children 5 years old below, the prevalence in Northern Mindanao is classified as mild public health concern.
|
Indicator |
Severity of malnutrition by prevalence range (%) |
|||
|
Normal |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
|
|
Weight-for-Age (Underweight) |
<10 |
10-19 |
20-29 |
>=30 |
|
Height-for-Age (Stunting) |
<20 |
20-29 |
30-39 |
>=40 |
|
Weight-for-Length/Height (Wasting and Overweight) |
<5 |
5-9 |
10-14 |
>=15 |
This prevalence rate should should not be taken for granted and calls for immediate actions from the local government units. Interventions on the promotion of behavior change such as nutrition education should be strengthened and intensified.
Childhood overweight and obesity can persist until adulthood which may increase risk of multiple acute and chronic medical problems such as non-communicable diseases and as well as psychological issues. It will not only affect physical health but also social, emotional as well as self-esteem and eventually poor academic performance. And these may entail limited future job opportunities, less productive adult. Malnutrition is a global problem which does not only affect the individual but also the socio-economic of the country.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) encourages the local government units to scale up their action towards addressing under and overnutrition. These activities may include Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Food Environment, Nutrition Education and Weight Management.
In ensuring quality baseline data such as the OPT Plus report, NNC also enjoins LGUs to invest appropriate weight and height measuring tools, following the guidelines stipulated in the NNC Governing Board Resolution No. 3 s. 2018. Mobilize nutrition committees as well as capacitate the nutrition workers particularly the Barangay Nutrition Scholars who are responsible in conducting the OPT, on how to assess nutritional status of children through correct measurement of their weight and height. Aside from the aforementioned actions, LGUs are encouraged to regularly check and calibrate their weight and height measuring tools.
And lastly, the support and commitment of the LGUs, in collaboration with other sectors and stakeholders are needed to improve the nutrition situation of the children in the region. – NO I Arlie Joy O. Damiles
