The fight against acute malnutrition in the Philippines is still far from over. According to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), every day in the Philippines, 95 children die because of malnutrition. That means 27 out of 1,000 Filipino children die before reaching their fifth birthday. And a third of Filipino children are underweight or underdeveloped for their age. And after the age of two, stunting can be permanent, irreversible, and even fatal. However, a study revealed that one significant impediment to victory in the fight against malnutrition is failure in the screening and assessment of acute malnutrition due to incorrect tool use.

The Electronic Operation Timbang (e-OPT) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes are widely used and accepted in the Philippines for assessing malnutrition in children and pregnant women. The e-OPT was used to determine the height and weight of children 0–59 months of age, while the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape was used to determine the circumference of the left arm of children 6–59 months of age and pregnant women. A knowledge of how to correctly use e-OPT and MUAC tape is required to obtain information about nutritional disorders within a community or population group. It can also be used to assess the role of various epidemiological factors in nutritional deficiency and identify the nutritionally at-risk groups in the community. These tools enable nutrition and health workers, as well as local chief executives, legislators, and other nutrition stakeholders, to assess the prevalence of nutritional disorders, plan corrective measures, and assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies. (PNFP Madrona/NOIII Flores/ RNPC Laquihon)

Reference:

World Health Organization. Field Guide on Rapid Nutritional Assessment in Emergencies; 2019. Available from: http://www.whqlibdoc.who.int/emro/199499/9290211989.pdf. [Last accessed on 2022 Feb 25].