Friday, 12 July 2024

Triple burden of malnutrition discussed during 50^th National Nutrition Month

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – As various sectors in Caraga region convened on July 1 for the kick-off celebration of this year’s 50^th National Nutrition Month, they also discussed strategies on how to prevent the triple burden of malnutrition and to intensify their efforts in the campaign on good nutrition.

In his message during the opening ceremony held at the provincial covered court in Butuan City, Dr. Niño Archie Labordo, regional nutrition program coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Caraga and secretary of Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC), emphasized that only 30 percent in the region knew about the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), hence, there is really a need to gear up efforts in promoting the said plan down to the grassroots. 

"May tatlong key messages for PPAN. Una, importante ang nutrisyon mula sa pagbubuntis, panganganak hanggang sa pagtanda. Tandaan natin na may PPAN na gagabay sa atin. Pangalawa, sa PPAN, bababa ang bansot at mataba. Dahil kapag sama-sama tayo, nutrisyong sapat titak para sa lahat. At pangatlo, beat the triple burden of malnutrition with the triple strategy of PPAN," he shared.

The “triple burden” of malnutrition comprises three types of nutritional problem: undernutrition, overnutrition or obesity, and micronutrient deficiency in individuals, households, and populations.

Earlier before the opening program, a nutri-parade was conducted along the city thoroughfares, witnessed by the locals. 

Dr. Cesar Cassion, regional director of the Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga and RNC chairperson, together with Dr. Labordo, and Elizabeth Marie Calo, provincial administrator of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, joined the Caraga stakeholders during the Zumba dance to energize everyone as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle.

"Today's launching is meaningful as we celebrate the golden anniversary of the designation of July as the Nutrition Month. Congratulations, 50 years na pala ang ating National Nutrition Council at Nutrition Month. Malnutrition hinders development, progress of the nation. The Philippine government has taken a significant step in the establishment of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), however, this is still unknown to some, that is why there is a need to intensify our campaign in the communities. Let us commit ourselves in this cause and help provide the people especially the children with good nutrition," underscored Dr. Cassion.

"Good nutrition is everybody's concern. We should be able to learn our roles in the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) in the province and in the Caraga region in general. We should work hand-in-hand so that all our efforts are aligned and together, we can achieve the goal of Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat," highlighted Calo, as she represented Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante, during the said occasion.

Participating sectors also expressed their commitment by affixing their signatures at the Nutrition Month tarpaulin.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, "Sa PPAN: Sama-sama Para sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat."

The campaign served as an avenue to increase awareness and generate participation and commitment for increased support for the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition among stakeholders from the government, local government units, non-government organizations, business, civil society organizations, and communities. (JPG, PIA-Caraga)