President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Department of Health (DOH) to address the triple burden of malnutrition in the Philippines, which encompasses undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and overnutrition.
In a sectoral meeting at Malacañang on Tuesday, Marcos highlighted the need for national-level action to support local government units (LGUs) in addressing malnutrition nationwide, with the NNC playing a strengthened role.
“The performance at the LGU level is highly inconsistent. I know mayors and governors who are really passionate about healthcare. I know so many more others that really don’t think about it,” Marcos said.
“That’s why, we actually have to do it ourselves at the national level. That’s why, I think we should put a little more activity under NNC. And, hopefully we will find local government executives that are good and have this as a priority. But those that do not, we can come in and assist them,” he added.
According to the 2021 Global Burden of Disease report, dietary risks and malnutrition are the primary drivers of the disease burden in the country.
In the country, 26.7 percent of children under five experience growth delays, and 5.5 percent are underweight.
Meanwhile, micronutrient deficiencies, especially in Vitamin A, Iron, and Iodine, are significantly impacting children under five and women who are pregnant or lactating.
The country is also grappling with overnutrition, with childhood obesity affecting 14 percent of children aged five to 10, and adult obesity at 40 percent.
The president directed the DOH to promote healthier eating habits and focus on the 34 priority areas of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), which have high rates of stunting and malnutrition.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted that multiple factors contribute to the problem, one of which is people's behavior regarding food consumption.
According to Marcos, the government should focus on empowering the NNC to assist local government units in prioritizing nutrition and health expenditures for better overall health.
