DAVAO CITY (PIA) – Latest Regional Nutrition Situation report for Region XI reveals mixed trends in malnutrition among children aged 0-59 months from 2019 to 2024.
Presented during the launch of the Regional Plan of Action for Nutrition (RPAN) 2023-2028, the findings highlight both progress and ongoing challenges in combating malnutrition.
Stunting, a condition caused by prolonged malnutrition, saw a gradual decline over the previous years but experienced a slight uptick in 2024.
The rate, which had reached its lowest at 5.2% in 2023, increased to 5.8% in 2024, marking a rise after several years of decline. Davao Occidental reported the highest stunting rate at 15.2% in 2024, classified as medium public health significance, while Davao Oriental saw the lowest rate in the region at 5.8%, considered low public health significance.
In terms of wasting, which indicates acute malnutrition, Region XI showed significant improvement. The prevalence decreased from 0.8% in 2023 to 0.7% in 2024, demonstrating the success of short-term interventions aimed at addressing immediate nutritional deficiencies. Davao de Oro recorded the lowest prevalence at 0.3%, followed by Davao Oriental, with 0.8%, both classified as very low public health significance.
The trend for underweight prevalence was also mixed. After dropping to 2.8% in 2023, the rate slightly increased to 2.9% in 2024, indicating that some children continue to face challenges in accessing adequate nutrition. Davao del Sur and Davao City saw increases in underweight rates, with Davao del Sur rising from 2.2% to 2.7% and Davao City from 2.6% to 3.1%.
Meanwhile, overweight and obesity rates among under-five children remained relatively stable. Although there were fluctuations, the overall prevalence in Region XI slightly increased from 1.4% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024, indicating a growing concern in some areas, particularly Davao Occidental, where the rate went up from 3.1% to 3.4%. In contrast, Davao City reported the lowest prevalence at 1.4% in 2024.
“Retsebeth M. Laquihon, OIC-Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, highlighted the significance of the RPAN 2023-2028 launch, emphasizing its role as a strategic blueprint for coordinated nutrition efforts and food security initiatives across Region XI.”
“Let us align our interventions to achieve our shared slogan “Nutrisyong sapat para sa lahat.” Laquihon said.(REC/PIA XI)
