141 babies undergo free newborn screening through GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 141 newborn babies from Cavite and Batangas benefited from free newborn screening services through a joint initiative of the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Department of Health (DOH) CALABARZON.

According to a report on “24 Oras,” Friday, the importance of early detection was highlighted by the experience of seven-year-old Klein from Cavite.

His mother, “Jade,” recalled that when her son was newly born, he was pale, did not cry, and refused to feed. After undergoing newborn screening, Klein was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition that affects hormone production.

Because of his condition, Jade said Klein appeared to mature earlier than usual. Based on a bone age test conducted when he was five years old, his skeletal age was already equivalent to that of an 11-year-old child.

“Manly na po yung boses niya. Mahirap, every three months kailangan dalhin ko siya sa doctor,” Jade said.

Per Jade, they were able to manage Klein’s condition with the help of free treatment and laboratory tests provided by the newborn screening continuity clinic in their area, with support from DOH CALABARZON.

“‘Yung testosterone or ‘yung male sex hormones po natin, sa babae tsaka sa lalaki po, parehas siyang mataas. So ang effect naman po niya, precocious puberty,” DOH CALABARZON Project Development Officer Jose Antonio Yap said.

The DOH said more than 29 diseases and complications can be detected and prevented through newborn screening.

Recently, the GMA Kapuso Foundation conducted a newborn screening caravan in partnership with DOH CALABARZON, reaching 74 newborns in Batangas and 67 newborns in Cavite.

Infants found to have medical conditions will be
endorsed to newborn screening continuity clinics, still in coordination with DOH CALABARZON, to ensure continued care.

“Kailangan po ay maituloy hanggang sa kanilang pagtanda para po makasigurado na ang bata po ay lalaking maayos, normal,”  said Dr. Carol Boongaling, a pediatric endocrinologist. 

Mothers also received hygiene kits, diapers, baby clothes, and health and wellness products during the activity.

“'Yung mga bata ang kailangan nating pagtuunan ng pansin. Syempre mothers also have to take care of themselves,” Amway Philippines country manager Maria Elenita Olmedo said.

GMA Kapuso Foundation will continue to roll out newborn screening activities in partnership with DOH CALABARZON across the region throughout 2026.

For those who want to take part in GMA Kapuso Foundation’s initiatives, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News