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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Abalos bats for enhanced maternal, child health protection programs in LGUs

Abalos bats for enhanced maternal, child health protection programs in LGUs

Published Oct 20, 2023 08:23 am

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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. called on local government units (LGUs) to prioritize maternal, neonatal and child nutrition programs in their respective localities.

In committing to advance the fight against malnutrition, Abalos vested his support to the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11148 otherwise known as the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act (Health and Nutrition Mothers’ Act)".    

“The right to health is a fundamental principle guaranteed by the State, and malnutrition continues to threaten this right disrupting the very future of our own children. Kaya naman napaka-importante na magsagawa ng mga hakbang ang mga LGUs para pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mag-ina – mula sa sinapupunan hanggang sa unang 1,000 araw ng paglaki ng bata (That is why it is very important for the LGUs to implement steps to take care of the mother’s and child’s health from the womb up to the first 1,000 days of the child’s growth)," Abalos said.

Further, Abalos stressed that the LGUs play a key role in the whole-of-government approach to combat malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children and the reduction of maternal mortality and stunting in children.

“I feel so strongly about this as I have advocated the same since my time as a local chief executive in Mandaluyong City. The movement against malnutrition and the welfare of pregnant and lactating women can start for all LGUs, too.  Kumilos tayo laban sa malnutrisyon ng mga buntis, sanggol at mga bata (Let us make the move to fight malnutrition of the pregnant, baby and children)," he added.

Through DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-149 dated Oct. 12, 2023, Abalos directed the LGUs to integrate programs on nutrition for adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children in their investment plans for health, prioritizing those who are nutritionally at risk.

“Some primary services required by the program include pregnancy tracking and regular counseling for pregnant women, breastfeeding plans and resources for postpartum and lactating women, newborn screening and vaccination for newborn babies, and nutrition counseling for children up to two years of age," the DILG stated.

Apart from the LGUs, Abalos explained that the whole-of-government approach and delivery of services and interventions must include the participation of national government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

The DILG chief added that the law shall be implemented through rural health units and barangay health centers, in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Barangay Health Workers, to include health and nutrition intervention services at different life stages. 

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