THE CITY Health Office recorded a very low malnutrition prevalence rate but children stunting continues to be a problem.
During the iSpeak forum on Thursday, Nov. 8, Elizabeth Banzon, CHO Nutrition Division chief, said the city will receive a Green Banner Seal of Compliance for its efforts.
Green Banner is a recognition given by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to local government units for their effective programs and interventions to sustain the nutrition status of the community.
The city received its first Green Banner in 2009.
For the first quarter of 2024, 1,975 children were overweight or obese, with a prevalence rate of 1.36%. The figure is classified as very low based on the World Health Organization (WHO) cut-off value category.
For the moderately wasted children, which logged 693 (0.47%) and 198 severely wasted (0.14%), the total prevalence rate of 0.61% is also considered very low.
Meanwhile, there are 3,779 underweight children (2.60%) and 851 severely underweight (0.58%), with a prevalence rate of 3.18%. However, the figure is still considered low based on the WHO cut-off value category.
Among the indicators, 9,306 children are affected by stunting and severe stunting with a prevalence rate of 6.4%.
Banzon said the city’s programs against stunting will continue despite the WHO category.
“For us, even though the category is low, this is a huge number for Davao City, when it goes beyond the 2% prevalence rate,” Banzon said.
She said there is a need to consider that 7, 188 are stunted children and 2,118 are severely stunted, which is larger among other indicators.
Banzon said exclusive breastfeeding is advised to mothers with children aged 0-59 months to avoid stunting. They are also pushing for breastfeeding stations in all workplaces and establishments.
She added that barangays should organize their respective nutrition committees.
Banzon also urged every school in the city, including daycare centers, to bring back the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program to cultivate their own vegetable gardens.
File Photo by Bing Gonzales
