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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Poorer LGUs have higher number of stunted children—DOH

Poorer LGUs have higher number of stunted children—DOH

Published May 27, 2023 02:50 pm
Poorer local government units (lgus) have a higher number of stunted children, said Department of Health Public Health Services Team Assistant Secretary Beverly Lorraine Ho at the "1st 1000 Days National Summit" held on Saturday, May 27 in Manila. \(Photo courtesy of Jansen Romero \| Manila Bulletin\)
According to the World Health Organization, stunted children are those who are too short for their age as a result of chronic or recurrent malnutrition. Ho emphasized that government agencies and other groups need to provide more resources to these lgus to help solve the malnutrition problem in their community.

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[Collaboration is key to combating malnutrition: DSWD](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/27/collaboration-is-key-to-combating-malnutrition-dswd) Moreover, she urged groups that wish to deliver assistance to simplify their guidelines, tools, and programs for easier implementation. Ho added that the health department is also working on a proposal with the Department of Education to have at least one healthcare worker in every school who will educate young Filipinos about reproductive health and teenage pregnancy, as these issues are correlated with malnutrition.

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Alarming effects of malnutrition

One in every three Filipino children five years old and below is extremely malnourished, manifested in stunting, said Dr. Cielito F. Habito, director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, in his report during the summit. This data is seriously alarming since about 90 percent of brain development happens by the age of five, he added. If not addressed, the child will grow up with impaired cognitive and learning abilities, memory, and intellect and be unable to reach his or her full mental and physical potential.

The first 1000 days of life

In line with the nationwide dilemma of improper nutrition, Children's 1st One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) Chairman Jose Lina Jr. launched a nationwide program where both government and non-government agencies will work hand in hand to solve malnutrition in 10 years. Its focus will be the first 1000 days of a child's life, starting from conception until the second birthday. Among the initial programs of the CFDC is an awareness campaign for women who are of reproductive age and partnering with cooperatives and socio-civic organizations to further disseminate the objectives of the coalition.

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[Launching of ‘1st 1000 Days National Summit’ at the Manila Hotel gains huge support](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/27/launching-of-1st-1000-days-national-summit-at-the-manila-hotel-gains-huge-support)

Related Tags

Department of Health (DOH) malnutrition
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