NNC focus on hunger as a “critical issue”

CEBU, Philippines - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) is spotlighting hunger as a critical issue in causing undernutrition and malnutrition as the country observes Nutrition Month this July with various activities being lined-up.

Parolita   Mission,  NNC-7 regional nutrition program coordinator said that there is a need for a continued effort in addressing hunger as part of the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, specifically in eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

It may be recalled that Philippines is a signatory to the UN-MDG.

Under the agreement, the Philippines committed to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger through reducing by half the prevalence of underweight children and the percentage of households with inadequate energy intake, among others.

Mission said that malnutrition and hunger in the Philippines are decreasing but in a “slow pace”.

NNC-7 has forged ties with the business sector through various chambers of commerce and industry in the region for them to take steps in addressing hunger.

In a press release by the Philippine Information Agency-7, records show that Central Visayas is among the areas in the country identified to have a high prevalence of hunger.

The region’s hunger prevalence rate is around 75% and is higher than the national average rate of 69.3%.   NNC-7 Nutrition Officer III Susan Orpilla said hunger is caused by poverty, armed conflict, natural disasters, environmental degradation, rapid population growth, lack of agricultural infrastructure, and food prices.

Most at risk of hunger are the rural poor (smallholders, landless, laborers, and fisherfolk), women due to their low status in some societies, and victims of political upheavals and natural diseases.

Aside from malnutrition and undernutrition, hunger also leads to high infant mortality rates, poor health status, impaired physical and mental development, acute vulnerability in times of disaster, and hindrance to economic growth.

Cebu kicked off the National Nutrition Month celebrations yesterday. With the theme  â€œGutom at malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan,” activities aimed to raise awareness on the need for more action to mitigate hunger and malnutrition have been lined up for the month.

The celebration also hopes to encourage stakeholders to contribute in addressing hunger issues and advocate for stronger political action to end hunger.   (FREEMAN)