BANGUED, Abra – From being the top municipality on malnutrition prevalence in Abra, the Tayum was able to beat malnutrition through the active involvement of local officials.
Based on the data of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) for 2021 and 2022, the LGU is not on the list of top 10 towns with the highest prevalence in all malnutrition indicators such as stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight.
During the provincial meeting of local nutrition action officers (LNAOs), Tayum Municipal Health Officer John A. Galpo shared how their Local Nutrition Committee (LNC) beat malnutrition in their municipality.
He cited the involvement of local government officials in the implementation of health programs.
“Pinag-aralan namin kung bakit kami No. 1. So talagang kailangan na ma-orient ang local officials about the nutrition programs because we need their involvement. Si mayor noon, may situational analysis. He made sure na tama ang ginagawa ng mga barangay health workers,” Galpo said.
Today, local nutrition councils of the municipality and all the barangays are re-organized and active in implementing health and nutrition policies, he said.
Galpo said one of the key approaches of their LGU in battling malnutrition is the implementation of the First 1,000 Days approach to nutrition which emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition from conception until the child’s second birthday, which is considered as the most critical period of growth and development in a child’s life.
“We continue to focus on the first 1,000 days dahil iyon talaga ang na-experience ko na critical stage na kailangang tutukan,” he said.
He said to ensure the child’s stable nutrition, they must be complemented with proper immunization.
“On my part, during immunizations, I see to it na lahat ng mababakunahan ay dadaan sa akin. I interview, monitor, and do individual assessment whether they got certain shots on specific periods. Furthermore, I also make sure each staff of the Rural Health Unit is doing this right,” Galpo said.
Improving nutritional status of the Filipino is part of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 for people to enjoy long and healthy lives. – Christian Allister Tubadeza
April 26, 2024
