Threat on possible surge of malnutrition

THE National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Davao expressed concern over the threat of possible surge of malnutrition among children amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic crisis.

During a virtual presser on Wednesday, May 20, NNC Davao Regional Nutrition program coordinator Maria Teresa Ungson said they are monitoring severe acute malnourished (SAM) and moderate acute malnourished (MAM) children in communities in the region because of the risk of the viral disease.

“This is our concern kasi siyempre pag maraming MAM pwedeng mag-graduate to SAM, which is severe. Binabantayan yan lahat,” she said.

She said their data collection of MAM and SAM in the communities have been interrupted because of the ongoing pandemic. But she said that a memorandum will soon be issued, containing protocols on how the health workers can continue with their activities while following proper health protocols.

Since the community quarantine, movement of people has been restricted, business establishments have temporarily ceased to operate, and law enforcement have become stricter on quarantine protocols.

In Davao City, the local government started to give ration to affected families that usually comes in kilos of rice, canned goods, and noodles.

During this time, Ungson said their Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) have been coordinating with the barangays on how to make their food more nutritious such as incorporating vegetables when cooking their food ration. She also urged the public to go back to backyard gardening to ensure food security.