13 July 2020, Cagayan de Oro City – Each mother has a story to tell about how they prepare and nurture their kids particularly during the first 1,000 days of life— the period from conception to child’s second birthday— especially the first time moms. Mothers across the globe face different challenges in the stages of pregnancy, infancy and toddlerhood while raising their children.
To help, support and inspire mothers who face similar challenges, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) X launched a digital campaign entitled “A Journey to First 1,000 Days” featuring the stories and journeys of select mothers in the Region 10 through social media cards. These materials are posted in the NNC X Facebook Page every Monday for the entire month of July 2020.
The sharing of testimony was piloted during the 2020 Nutrition Month Virtual Kick-Off and Talakayan sa PIA held last 1 July 2020 where mommy Shiella Rose C. Balbanida, shared her challenging but rewarding journey during the first 1,000 days of her children.
The posting of mothers’ testimonies was made possible through the help of Local Nutrition Committees who nominated the mothers and facilitated the gathering of the information needed including the photos.
This activity, as part of the 2020 Nutrition Month Social Media Campaign on Stunting, aims to promote and increase awareness on the importance of the First 1,000 Days as the most effective way to prevent and address child stunting or chronic malnutrition. This is the golden window of opportunity for setting their foundation to achieve optimum health, growth and development. Proper nutrition and care for both the mother and child during this time can significantly impact the child’s health, growth and development and his/her productivity later in adult years.
The Department of Health, NNC and stakeholders, strongly advise pregnant mothers to seek and receive adequate prenatal care, including at least 4 prenatal visits, 180 tablets of iron-folic acid supplementation, and balanced protein-energy dietary supplementation. Likewise, the advocacy of exclusive breastfeeding for 0-6 months and age-appropriate complementary food in addition to breastmilk when the child turns 6 months old are intensified to ensure optimum nutrition during the First 1000 Days.
Everyone, especially the mothers, has a role in preventing stunting. Through this initiative and among other activities, NNC calls for the support of the communities and commitment of the mothers and family members in the First 1,000 Days to give their child the best start in life.
Together, SAMA ALL and as ONE REGION IN NUTRITION, we can help Northern Mindanaoan children achieve their fullest potential. (NO I Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
