177 babies undergo free newborn screening through GMA Kapuso Foundation, DOH

A total of 177 babies in Quezon, Batangas, and Cavite underwent free newborn screening tests through a health caravan by the Department of Health (CALABARZON) and the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to "24 Oras" Monday, Arlyn Inoc and her husband discovered their son, Nick, had congenital hypothyroidism through newborn screening days after he was born.

DOH-CHD-IV NBS Program Coordinator Jose Antonio Yap underscored the importance of the thyroid hormone in the development of the brain.

"The effect of congenital hypothyroidism if left untreated is stunted growth and mental retardation," he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Per Inoc, she and her husband were initially afraid when they found out about their son's condition. Thanks to newborn screening, however, the condition was detected early and he was able to receive the appropriate treatment.

Nick is now five years old and is able to go to school normally while taking his maintenance medication on the regular.

National Newborn Screening Week is observed every first week of October. In solidarity with the event, the GMA Kapuso Foundation joined the newborn screening caravan of DOH CALABARZON, which offered free screening to a total of 177 newborn babies in Quezon, Batangas, and Cavite.

Mothers also received newborn supplies, hygiene kits, and food as part of the event.

"It's a huge help. It really makes a big difference that there is free newborn [screening] for our babies," said Jesty Mae Macaraig.

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

Meanwhile, one of the much-anticipated events this holiday season is Noel Bazaar, the annual benefit event organized by Cut Unlimited Inc. and the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

Cut Unlimited Inc. has warned interested merchants to be vigilant against fake social media pages pretending to be the company to solicit down payments and reservation fees for the bazaar.

Be advised that the following are Noel Bazaar's only official accounts and communication channels:

• Facebook: Noel Bazaar
• Instagram: Noel Bazaar (@noelbazaar)
• TikTok: Noel Bazaar (@noel.bazaar)
• Viber: Noel Bazaar Community
• Hotline: (02) 8363 4900
• Email: noelbazaarph@gmail.com / info@eventsbycut.com

—CDC, GMA News