NNC7: LGUs must invest in nutritional health of women

CEBU CITY— The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Region 7 calls on all local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas to invest in the nutritional health of pregnant, lactating mothers and adolescent females in line with the programs and activities laid down under the 2023–2028 Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).

PPAN is the framework for action and guide for the government’s commitment to addressing food and nutrition security challenges in the country. It includes the nutrition challenges and interventions for each life stage such as pregnant and lactating women and adolescents.

“These activities support the consumption of nutrient-dense food, adoption of healthy habits, and promotion of quality nutrition and related services, while being sustained through good governance and enabling policy environments,” NNC-7 regional program coordinator, Dr. Parolita Mission said.

In celebration of the International Women’s Month on March 8 and National Women's Month in March, Mission went on that if done consistently, such activities can contribute significantly to PPAN’s desired vision of change, which is the reduction of all forms of malnutrition across all life stages.

These also help address the prevalence of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women, anemia among pregnant women and women of reproductive age, and overweight adolescents in the country.  Mission suggested various activities including a package of counseling services on proper nutrition and family health.

“These activities must focus on pregnant and lactating women such as availing of maternal health services; supplementary feeding for pregnant women; capacity building for adolescent girls; and income-generating livelihood programs,” Mission added.

She also recommended monthly cooking demonstrations; the formation of support groups for health behavior promotion; group exercises anchored on a healthy weight loss program; nutrition and sex education; and the creation and maintenance of community food gardens.

“When local government units invest in the health and nutrition of women, they are harnessing the full potentials of women for the benefit of their overall well-being while contributing to the development of a healthy Filipino nation,” Mission said. (Photos: NNC7-FB)