Stunting is a disease, says E. Samar nutrition officer

BORONGAN CITY, July 9 (PIA) – The provincial nutrition action officer in Eastern Samar, Sallie Jabinal said that stunting or being too short for one's age is malnutrition and should be treated as a disease.

This he said during a press conference held at PIA Eastern Samar, this city on Friday as the whole nation observes the 46th Nutrition Month.

As she addressed the families, she said mothers should focus on their nutrition and their babies in the first 1000 days of life.

"Stunting is largely an irreversible outcome of inadequate nutrition and repeated bouts of infection during the first 1000 days of a child's life."

The implications could be reduced intellectual capacity and poor school performance and later in life-low productivity, the nutrition expert added.

Mothers are then asked to have at least four pre-natal check-ups at the rural health centers.

The pregnant mom is also asked to eat nutritious food. When the child is out of the mother's womb, the mother must practice exclusive breastfeeding until the child is six months old.

Later, the mother should introduce other food but should continue breastfeeding until the child is two years old.

Mothers should also bring their babies to the health center to have immunization, deworming and other essential health services that the child needs.

In Eastern Samar, stunting incidence has declined, said the nutrition officer.

"With the holding of Buntis Congress, the effect is seen, mothers are now more conscious of the nutrition requirements especially breastfeeding."

Eastern Samar Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Sallie Jabinal faces the local media at the PIA Information Center, Borongan City  advocating ways and means to prevent stunting, as the nation observes the 46th Nutrition Month this July. (RDT/PIA E. Samar)

Jabinal urged the local governments to ensure that government interventions are done to prevent stunting. (NBQ/PIA E. Samar)

source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047082