“Continued breastfeeding was our sure management instructed to mothers”, this was the first intervention advised to lactating mothers by Mr. Levi Sison, Public Health Nurse and Officer-in-Charge of the Rural Health Unit of Motiong, Samar during the diarrheal outbreak in Brgy. Maypange in said municipality.

As of 10 March 2017 a total of 215 claimed to manifest abdominal pains and diarrhea after residents come together and celebrate their founding anniversary and partake packed foods on 22 February 2017. Of this count, around 15 individuals were under five years old.  Lactating mothers were advised to continue breastfeeding as this is the only safe food they can provide to their babies.

10 Kumainments number 2, and as mandated in Executive Order No. 51 or the Milk Code, encourages mothers to exclusively breastfeed their child and not use any other milk substitutes. Breastfeeding is vital on an infant’s growth and development. Further, studies show that it is more nutritious and economical compared to processed milk.

In an NNC VIII visit on 14 March 2017, Mr. Sison calmly describe the situation under control. However, continued advocacy is being done on safe preparation, storage and delivery to ensure good nutrition and prevent food borne diseases. ###