THE RESULTS of the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) presented on June 24 showed malnutrition on steady rise among babies and pre-schoolers. Specifically, there is an increasing prevalence of malnutrition and anemia among babies and toddlers. This should be a wake-up call in time for Nutrition Month being observed every July.
Anemia cases among babies six to 11 months increased to 48.2 percent in 2018 from 40.5 percent in 2013, while anemia among toddlers aged one to two years old have increased to 35.4 percent last year from 24.7 percent in 2013.
Stunting, a life threatening condition due to chronic undernutrition, remains high at 36.6 percent for children two years old in 2018, from 36.2 percent in 2013.
Malnutrition among pre-schoolers is also high particularly among three years old at 33.8 percent in 2018 from 38.6 in 2013; and four years old at 30.2 percent last year from 36.8 in 2013.
What should we do to save our newborns and very young children?
Nongovernment organization Save the Children Philippines has a practical suggestion – for mothers to breastfeed newborns. Exclusive breastfeeding. Indeed, why not?
Community health and nutrition workers should intensify campaigns on breastfeeding, complementary feeding and proper nutrition particularly among children of deprived families and marginalized communities.
Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years old will provide critical nutrients and protection to infants against life threatening diseases and improve their immune system. Globally, exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months prevents deaths of 1.3 million children below five years old every year.
Local leaders must implement Republic Act (RA) 11148 or the First 1,000 Days Law that ensures optimum health and nutrition for children from conception up to two years old. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is considered a critical window of opportunity when physical growth and brain development are very crucial, and damage could be permanent or irreversible.
Local governments must invest in safe motherhood and children’s health and well-being by providing more funds for maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition programs.
Malnutrition is a very complex problem with long-term effects physically, mentally and socially. There must be collaborative action from all sectors. We should always remember that it takes a village to raise and nurture a child.
