Malnutrition in children remains a major concern in the Philippines, particularly during their first 1,000 days from birth when irreversible health risks occur.
To combat the menace and apply “nutrition-specific interventions” to mothers and their infants in marginalized communities, medical and private health organizations recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Quezon City.
The agreement is for the “First 1,000 Days Program,” a joint project of the QC government, the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society, the Philippine Pediatric Society, and Kabisig ng Kalahi Inc.
The pilot program will run in Quezon City for three years until Sept. 30, 2019, with the intention of improving the program for all the city health units and its constituents.
It will run interventions to address the lack of adequate nutrients received by Filipino children during their first 1,000 days of their lives, which also cause gaps in their physical and mental development.
The program will feature micronutrient supplementation, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and proper nutrition.
“We are glad to participate in this public-private initiative to address maternal and child health concerns of our constituents, particularly since it is among the key priorities of our city government,” said Quezon City Councilor Lala Sotto-Antonio, who will file a resolution to back the program.
Mayor Herbert Bautista, who signed the MoA, reiterated what he said in his 7th State of the City Address that public health service “is a necessity in poverty alleviation.”
“Our objective has been to improve the survival rate of our newborns and reduce maternal mortality. The Batang 1000 program that our City Health Department operationalizes in partnership with various groups seeks to provide the health protection and nutrition needed to ensure the normal development of a child from the time he is born to two years of age,” Bautista said.
The mayor urged all mothers in Quezon City to register in their barangays to receive comprehensive care packages from their pregnancy to their birthing time, and for their children as well.
According to program manager Dr. Maria Christine Joy B. Tanteo, participation and compliance “is very crucial” to the success of the program.
“The mothers really have to avail of the interventions that we are offering and to comply with the entire program. That is the key in getting all the health and nutritional benefits for themselves and their child. There are no shortcuts. They have to go through the entire program,” Tanteo said.
“We are hoping with this kind of program, we can increase the awareness of mothers, help them adopt the right attitude towards motherhood, take active participation in their pregnancy, and care for their children,” said Dr. Luz Ma. Theresa Garcia, medical director of SafeBirth Lying-In Clinic.
