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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH chief-turned-congresswoman Garin tackles malnutrition problem

DOH chief-turned-congresswoman Garin tackles malnutrition problem

Published Nov 25, 2023 10:48 am

At A Glance

  • Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin, a former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, says the problem of malnutrition needs a long-term solution that can improve both accessibility to potable water and prenatal health, among other things. 

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The problem of malnutrition needs a long-term solution that can improve both accessibility to potable water and prenatal health, among other things.

Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin, a former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, gave this take during a television interview Friday, Nov. 24 when asked about malnutrition.

"Malnutrition needs a long-term solution," Garin said. She noted that malnutrition is linked to the issue of safe water provision.

"Another problem is the availability of safe water because this has contributed a lot to many patients [as there are children who experience diarrhea due to drinking of unsafe water," the lady lawmaker explained.

Garin also called for support to rural areas with regard to backyard farming in order to ensure that children would have access to nutritious food all the time.

The former health chief says one of the biggest problems in relation to malnutrition stems from the lack of nutrition of pregnant women, since children's nutrition starts from conception.

According to United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), every day, 95 children in the Philippines die from malnutrition. Also, 27 out of 1,000 Filipino children do not get past their fifth birthday.

Garin said knowledge gained from nutrition-related trainings and seminars must be implemented since these would have a positive impact in addressing the problems of malnutrition.

"Solving malnutrition is not just a government's problem but it should be a collaboration between our constituents. DOH should not stop in [having partnership or agreement] with UNICEF. The biggest problem that they have is the actual implementation on the grounds," Garin said.

Earlier, the DOH and UNICEF have inked partnership to strengthen health in the country to address malnutrition.

Garin is a deputy majority leader in the House of Representatives.

Related Tags

Janette Garin department of health malnutrition
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