Clinically ‘bansot’ children in PHL

Mothers were reminded to ensure optimal nutrition in child's first 1,000 days as this is a crucial stage of development.

In Manal Sugadol's report for Stand for Truth, Health Secretary Francis Duque III emphasized that the first 1,000 days of a child spans between conception and the child's second birthday.

"We would like to address these two very compelling issues that will start with the care of the children from the time they are in the womb,  because the first 1000 days does not mean after pregnancy. It is while the baby or the fetus is inside the womb," Duque said.

Stunted growth in children also poses several consequences later in life. 

The report follows four-year-old JR to a check-up at the rural health center where it was discovered he was severely wasted and severely stunted.

"Dahil special case yung sa kanya, hindi naman natin siya puwedeng biglaan na pakainin nang pakainin kasi hindi yun makakabuti para sa kanya so ang ginagawa natin is small but frequent feeding," rural health midwife Donna dela Cruz says.

Janella Carraballa, a mother of four, admitted she was only able to breastfeed JR for a year and that he preferred to eat junk food. 

Data from the National Nutrition Council (NNC) showed that malnutrition had caused the deaths of about 95 children in the Philippines every day.

The NNC also said 1 of 5 children in the Philippines below the age of five were found to be stunted, while 1 out of 10 kids under 5 years-old suffer from wasting.

Meanwhile, according to Dr. Martin Parreno who is the programme and policy officer of the World Food Program: "Ang pinakamataas ngayon actually sa tinatawag nating stunted growth o pagkabansot ay yung Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao."

"...Umaabot diyan ng 45 percent, so parang isa sa bawat dalawang bata ay bansot sa area na 'yon," he added.

Republic Act 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act seeks to provide government support to children in their first 1,000 days. —Margaret Claire Layug/ LDF, GMA News