RHU is set plan to combat malnutrition

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RHU is set plan to combat malnutrition

GENERAL SANTOS CITY ( 20 June 2015 ) – Backyard gardening, livelihood programs, food assistance program and nutrition education for parents emerged as the strategic and high impact programs and projects Rural Health Units (RHU’s) identified and intended to do for the next three years to address malnutrition.

The strategic planning of RHUs held at Tierra Montana Hotel on June 11 was joined by the City Economic management & cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), Department of Social Welfare and development (DSWD) and City Population Management Office (CPMO).

“By, RHU ang planning para may guide na sila ano ang plans nila para ma improve ang nutritional status ng mga constituents sa barangay, pero naka-fucos sila sa families na may underweight children,” stated Nanette Cabidos, City Dietician and Nutrition Coordinator.

The Operation Timbang (OPT) of each RHU is aimed at monitoring children’s weight 71 months old and below.

RHUs would coordinate with the inter-agencies and NGOs for the implementation of these projects and program in the barangays.

“Based sa OPT, meron na silang fucos kung sino ang mabibigyan ng livelihood. Like CEMCDO, pwede silang magbigay ng livelihood sa mga families. Sa RHU sila mag coordinate, through it Nutrition Committee in the Barangay, consisting of different agencies na responsible for the nutrition program,” Cabidog added.

“Meron din tayong mga NGOs na pina attend ngayon like the International Care Ministries (ICM), mahintana Foundation, RD Foundation. Meron kasing mga NGOs na naga implement sa barangay ng kanilang mga programs. They have to coordinate with the RHUs. Para hindi sila mag diretso sa area without consulting the RHU concerned. Para maturuan din sila,” Cabidog said.

Around 56 other Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), 26 Barangay Health worker (BHW) presidents, City Nutrition Council (CNC) members, kagawad on health in the 26 barangays, midwives, doctors, nurses, and heads of RHUs were present in the strategic planning.

On its part, the local government shouldred the honorarium of the BNS, other incentives, and provided the supplies and materials for the city’s nutrition program, like the OPT.

The planning was a result of 2014 OPT outcome wherein malnutrition was found to be prevalent in barangay Baluan of this city.

General Santos was also number one in the malnutrition in the entire Region XII. Based on 2013 OPT. General Santos city ranked number 6 in the malnutrition magnitude for 0 to 71 months old children and number 4 for 0 to 23 months old children. Magnitude means number of malnourished children in 100 cities and provencies in the entire Philippines. (Gensan CPIO/Sharmagne Villacastin)