2ND PIMAM TRAINING KICKS OFF TO ADDRESS MALNUTRITION IN MANOLO FORTICH

Addressing issues of Malnutrition in Manolo Fortich

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich continues its efforts to combat malnutrition among children by hosting the 2nd Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) roll-out training. Held from October 22 to 23, 2024, at Bahay Tulogan, Barangay Tankulan, the training gathered Rural Health Midwives and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from the municipality's 22 barangays. This is the first follow-up since the inaugural training in 2021.

A total of 55 participants attended the event, which provided a comprehensive discussion on the distinction between Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Rikkie Mae B. Lucero, who led the training in partnership with the Del Monte Foundation, Inc. (DMFI), emphasized the importance of focusing on children aged 6 months to 5 years to prevent these conditions.

Although the malnutrition rate in the municipality remains below alarming levels, Lucero stressed that isolated cases still pose a threat to children's health. She explained the relevance of the training, saying: “Ang malnutrition prevalence in Manolo Fortich is below public health significance, dili siya ingana ka alarming. However, naa man gihapon tay mga cases nga dili malikayan, naay mga severe ug moderately acute malnourished children nga need gihapon og individualized interventions.”

One of the LGU’s key strategies is to enhance the skills of midwives and BNS, who play crucial roles in assisting mothers with proper child nutrition at the barangay level. The training included detailed sessions on identifying SAM and MAM, community mobilization, out-patient therapeutic care, counseling, and more. Nutrition dietitians from the Provincial Health Office of Bukidnon facilitated the discussions.

The participants also engaged in hands-on demonstrations, including proper handwashing techniques, measuring Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), taking weight and height measurements, and identifying symptoms of bilateral edema in children. Students from the Tankulan Daycare Center participated as sample subjects for these demonstrations.

One of the participants, Barangay Sto. Niño BNS Angelie R. Verde, shared her thoughts on the training: “Na update gyud ang among knowledge about sa PIMAM. Daghan ko’g natun-an especially sa mga bata, unsaon pag atiman sa mga malnourished, unsaon pag refer, kay gikinahanglan gyud ma address ang ilang mga needs para mas healthy pa gyud ang mga bata diri sa Manolo Fortich.”

Also present at the event was Councilor Joy L. Cordovez, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition. She expressed her gratitude to the BNS participants for their dedication to improving child nutrition: “Importante gyud ni nga ato gyud mapasigarbo nga puhon sa Manolo Fortich, wala na gyud malnourished. Salamat sa pagtanyag sa inyong mga services sa mga barangay. Isip committee chair sa health, mas maningkamot jud ko na kung unsa ang concerns sa health kay ma address.”