THE CITY Health Office (CHO)-Under 5 clinic reminded parents with children aged 0-5 years old to seek medical assistance in the stand-alone clinic for immediate action.
CHO-Under 5 clinic program head Annaliza Malubay said the age group is considered a vulnerable population given their immature immune system susceptible to infections.
“ The age group is the stage where children are rapidly growing. Paspas kaayo ang growth and development, ilang nutrient requirement is very high, so it has to be monitored,” she said.
Malubay added that they are prone to malnutrition and if not taken care of can lead to adverse effects later in life.
The standalone clinic of the city located fronting Magsaysay Park beside the Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao, offers free services and is dedicated solely to children in the age group.
Formerly a COVID-19 swab testing facility, it was reused as the Under-5 clinic that provides medical care during illness through consultation, immunization updates, and monitoring the nutritional status of children.
They also provide education and counseling to parents and guardians on appropriate health practices.
The clinic caters to an average of 30-50 daily. Malubay advised those parents who live in far-flung areas in the city to visit their health centers in their districts rather than traveling to the city, however, if they wish to be prioritized, they may visit the clinic.
The official said although an Under-5 clinic is a requirement in all health centers nationwide, Davao City is the only city in Mindanao to offer a stand-alone to prioritize the age group.
Malubay said apart from attending to the medical needs of children immediately, it is economical for parents since consultation for pedia in private health centers now ranges from P500 to P1,000.
The official added that parents should attend to their children’s needs, especially with the rise of influenza-like illnesses.
It can be noted Davao region is among the top three regions with the most ILI, according to the Department of Health (DOH) Disease Surveillance Report for January-November 25, 2023. The region logged 27,411 cases, with 103 total deaths.
