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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOST chief: The time to fight malnutrition is now

DOST chief: The time to fight malnutrition is now

Published Jul 3, 2021 12:19 pm

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has vowed to step up its efforts to fight against all forms of malnutrition in the country.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña made the commitment during the Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s 74th founding anniversary celebration on Thursday, July 1.

"The Department is one with the DOST-FNRI in its unwavering fight against all forms of malnutrition. The theme “DOST-FNRI @74: Fighting Malnutrition, Then and Now” is very fitting in assessing to what extent the Institute has been doing to fight malnutrition and the new innovative technologies and services it is having now. More than ever, the time to fight malnutrition is now,” he said in his message.

Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), he laments that every 11 seconds, a child dies from malnutrition.

"Every 11 seconds, parents mourn. Every 11 seconds, a lifetime of potential is lost. Over a year, more than 3 million children around the world will die from malnutrition. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) has placed already vulnerable children and families at even greater risks,” he said.

He expressed concern that work stoppage induced by coronavirus lockdowns, and delivery of inadequate health services could contribute to the increasing incidence of malnutrition in the country.

"With lockdowns and lost wages, coupled with overwhelmed inadequate health services and struggles in addressing the disconnect between the food systems and consumption, rates of undernutrition are expected to increase profoundly. This is an unacceptable disaster,” de la Peña said.

“But, there is good news – if we continue with our commitment and act together, with coherent plans and programs we can change this trajectory and help save lives. The good news is, we already know so much about how Science, Technology and Innovation work and complement each other.”

The DOST chief cited that scaling up the fight against malnutrition presents an unparalleled opportunity to save lives, build human potential, amplify existing health and food system investments, and rebuild local leadership.

He said the department is committed to provide technical support to nutrition and health-related activities in the country.

"The DOST envisions to be an excellent provider of new knowledge and relevant innovations, competent human resources and quality S&T services that will help uplift and sustain the socio-economic well-being of the Filipino people. This goal of uplifting and sustaining our socio-economic well-being can best be achieved if we open ourselves for partnership,” de la Peña said.

“The Department wants to bring the fruits of science, technology, and innovation (STI) closer to the people across the country, because technically and ideally, Science is for the people,” he added.

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children malnutrition DE LA PEÑA DOST DOST-FNRI
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