According to 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (eNNS) Acute Malnutrition is a major risk factor for child mortality and affects a total of 5.6% of children under the age of 5 years in the Philippines.  Acute Malnutrition can be classified as (1) Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) or (2) Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) depending on the degree of wasting in comparison to specific cut off points or growth reference standards. Further, Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) manages malnutrition both in normal times and during emergencies.

The Department of Health (DOH) XII conducted virtual orientation on PIMAM last May 28, 2021 to Local Nutrition Workers in the region. A total of 67 participants attended of which were Nutrition Action Officers, District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators, National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII Staff and HRH-NDs took part of the said activity. The main objective of the orientation is to support the implementation and expansion of quality treatment for children suffering from the most severe and acute form of undernutrition in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Moreover, Ms. Jessen Masukat the Nutrition Program Manager of DOH XII tackled the following topics, Introduction of SAM, Identification of SAM (Length, Height, WFH Z- score and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)) and Outpatient Therapeutic Care (OTC), to familiarize the participants with the PIMAM Program's approach, important terms, and tools.

Acute malnutrition results from current and severe nutritional restrictions of an individual. This could be due to present illness and inappropriate childcare practices. Therefore, children with acute malnutrition demands urgent interventions through appropriate nutritional and clinical management.

In order to reach the main goal of having a zero SAM country, everyone should workout and play a vital role in ensuring that children receive the quality care and nutrition they need especially during the First 1000 days. (NOII UTLANG/OIC-NPC FLORES)