Makati malnutrition rate lowest in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The malnutrition rate in Makati City remains the lowest in Metro Manila, the Makati City government reported.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay credits this to the health and nutrition programs of the city implemented through the Makati Health Department (MHD) and its nutrition office that date back to the term of his father, former mayor and now Vice President Jejomar Binay.

"We have steadily reduced the city's malnutrition prevalence rate over the years because of our effective health and nutrition programs, as well as our trailblazing initiatives to promote related advocacies.

Among these are our successful community-based breastfeeding advocacy and the establishment of our very own human milk bank," Binay said.

Based on the latest report of MHD, the malnutrition prevalence rate in Makati this year dipped further, from 0.73 percent in 2013 to 0.64 percent. Back in 1990, the city's malnutrition prevalence rate, measured among children from zero to 71 months in compliance with Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, was 7.7 percent.

Among 57,693 children in the said age bracket that were covered in the latest Operation Timbang conducted by the city Nutrition Office, only 372 were found underweight.

As in the past years, the activity covered 25 barangays, not including two disputed barangays (Northside and Southside) and six exclusive villages of the city.

"Good nutrition is the key to a successful child growth and development. In Makati, we ensure that our residents can access the nutrition and health programs for their benefit," chief nutrition officer Alma Gammad said.

Aside from weight monitoring, the Nutrition Office is also conducting micronutrient supplementation, maternal and child health services and oral healthcare to provide nutritional adequacy to underweight children.

The MHD is also closely monitoring the overweight rate of children of preschool age as it has significantly rose from 2.75 percent in 2013 to 3.33 percent this year.

Gammad said overweight or obese children are at risk of developing hypertension, diabetes and stroke at an early age. She also added that this was a perennial problem of highly-urbanized cities.

To lower the overweight nutritional status of the city, the Makati Nutrition Office is promoting behavioral modification of diet, physical fitness activities, and other healthy lifestyle habits.

"We are constantly working hand in hand with parents in ensuring the proper nutrition of our future leaders. With proper nourishment and guidance, our children will grow up with healthy minds and strong bodies," Binay said.

Makati City is a consistent recipient of the Nutrition Honor Award, the highest award given by the National Nutrition Council (NNC), the city government added.