QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa urged stakeholders and partner agencies to strengthen the provision of nutrition services for pregnant and lactating mothers during the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 on September 4, 2023.
The Health Secretary also stressed that infants and toddlers should be breastfed for them to build their immune system and grow into healthy individuals.
He also pointed out the need to address issues such as dental caries in growing toddlers, access to safe water, sanitation, and good hygiene as basic components of the nutrition program.
“Achieving the holistic health of Filipinos starts with our mothers who care for and nurture the children. When we provide this, it becomes more attainable for us to strengthen our nutrition initiatives,” Herbosa said.
PPAN is a six-year rolling plan addressing malnutrition challenges. It supports the eight-point Socioeconomic Agenda of the Marcos Administration that embraces Universal Health Care and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and is aligned with Ambisyon Natin 2040.
PPAN also harmonizes with global commitments and addresses intertwined food and nutrition challenges of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets the 2025 Global Targets for Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition, and upholds principles from the 2014 International Conference on Nutrition.
Also present in the event are DOH Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Gloria J. Balboa and National Nutrition Council Executive Director and Assistant Secretary Azucena M. Dayanghirang.
Other agencies that are part of the program are the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units, and the private sector. (doh/pia-ncr)
