The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has called on the government to prioritize child malnutrition and stunting, stating that it should be one of the nation’s top concerns due to its significant human and economic costs.
MAP emphasized that these child health issues, along with poverty, climate change, and national security, should be addressed urgently.
In a statement, the business management group stated, “Declaring malnutrition and child stunting as a priority agenda will ensure the implementation of concrete measures, allocation of sufficient funds, and cascading of actions from the national to community level.”
A World Bank study revealed that severe malnutrition has been a serious problem in the Philippines for almost 30 years, with one out of every three Filipino children under the age of five suffering from stunting.
The report also highlighted that the Philippines ranks fifth in the East Asia and the Pacific region for the highest prevalence of child stunting.
Stunting: ‘Silent pandemic’ stalks Filipino children
The MAP noted that rural areas have a higher incidence of stunted children at 30%, compared to 26% in urban areas. The rate is directly proportional to poverty levels in provinces like Western and Southern Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Samar, and the northern part of Luzon.
According to MAP, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has the highest stunting rates at 45%, while Manila and Central Luzon have the lowest rates at 23%.
In May, MAP organized a multisectoral meeting to address the increasing cases of child malnutrition in the country, leading to the establishment of the Campaign Against Malnutrition and Child Stunting (CAMACS) movement.
Businessmen join drive vs child malnutrition
A total of 41 organizations have pledged their support to CAMACS, aiming to tackle child nutrition issues in the Philippines.
MAP announced its support for the government’s Philippine Multi-sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) and advocated for the responsible use of the P10-billion loan secured from the World Bank to address malnutrition.
The organization also recommended the establishment of tripartite partnerships between the business sector, government, and community for a comprehensive approach in fighting malnutrition and child stunting.
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
Denial of responsibility! Samachar Central is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
