Malnutrition rate in CAR decreased in 2022

Baguio City, Philippines – The prevalence rate of malnutrition in the Cordillera dropped this year as compared to 2021, the National Nutrition Council Cordillera recently reported.

Around 133,152 children were evaluated by the council regarding their weight and size through the Operation Timbang Plus (OTP) this year, thus recording the data showing a slight decrease in cases of malnutrition in the region.

OTP is a mandatory activity of LGUs in collaboration with the NNC-CAR. This aims to determine the nutrition status of children in the area to serve as basis in developing strategies to address malnutrition problems.

Stunted children

Based on the data provided, from the 8.58 percent record in 2021 for the stunted among 0-59 months old children, NNC-CAR only recorded 7.49 percent this year.

Abra holds the highest number with 13.9 percent, followed by Mt. Province - 13.67 percent, Apayao – 11.7 percent and Kalinga – 10.74 percent.

Benguet has a record of 5.55 percent, Ifugao - 4.43 percent, and Baguio City - 1.61 percent.

Underweight Children

For those who are under the prescribed weight, the prevalence rate is now at 3.05 percent which is lower when compared to the data last year which is 3.19 percent.

Most of these children are from Abra with a prevalence rate of 8.37 percent. Next on the list is Apayao with 5.17 percent, Kalinga with 3.94 percent, Mountain Province with 3.92 percent, Benguet with 1.66 percent, Ifugao with 1.40 percent, and Baguio City which is 0.99 percent.

Obese Children

In cases of obesity for 0-59 months old, the rate goes down from 2.56 percent from 2.72 in 2021.

Abra again recorded the highest rate in this category, having a prevalence rate of 4.42 percent. The province is followed by Apayao with 3.46 percent, Mt. Province with 3.24 percent, Kalinga with 3.18 percent, Benguet with 2.54 percent, Ifugao with 2.07 percent, and Baguio City with 0.70%.

Reducing malnutrition is still a challenge

Even with the lower rate recorded, Regional Nutritrion Program Coordinator Bella Basalong, said reducing malnutrition rate in the region remains a challenge.

"Yun 'yung challenge sa atin, uray nu adda ti food, sana diyay quality a food that we eat so that it will not give a burden doon sa body ng isang tao," Basalong stated.

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