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Republic of the PhilippinesDepartment of Health

NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL

TALKING POINTS

2010 Nutrition Month CelebrationSa p a gka ing tam a a t sap a t , wa stong t im ba ng n i ba by ang ka tap a t !

1. What is Nutrition Month?

This year, the country is celebrating the 36thNutrition Month. Section 7of Presidential Decree No. 491 or Nutrition Act of the Philippines

designates the month of J uly as Nutrition Month to c reate greaterawareness among the people on the importance of nutrition.

2. What is the National Nutrition Council (NNC)?

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) is the highest policy-making and

coordinating body on nutrition in the country. It has a Governing Boardcomposed of 10 government organizations and 3 representatives fromthe private sec tor, appointed by the President of the Philippines for atwo-year term. The NNC member agencies are the following:

a. Department of Health, Chairb. Department of Agriculture, Vice-chairc. Department of the Interior and Local Government, Vice-chaird. Department of Budget and Managemente. Department of Education

f. Department of Labor and Employmentg. Department of Science and Technologyh. Department of Social Welfare and Development

i. Department of Trade and Industryj. National Economic and Development Authority

For 2010-2011, the three private sector representatives are:

a. Ms. Carmen G. J imenez-OngPresidentBalance Bodies Studio Philippines, Inc.

b. Dr. Elvira Lichuaco Henares-Esguerra, MD, FPDS, IBCLC, RPh,Direc tor, Children for Breastfeeding andCo-Director, Philippine Lactation Resources and Training Center


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Nutrition Month 2010Sa pagkaing tama at sapat, wastong timbang ni baby ang katapat!

2

c. Ms. Graciela EleazarPresidentPhoenix Sun International

The NNC Secretariat serves as the implementing arm of the NNCGoverning Board. Thus, among others, it coordinates and leads in thecelebration of Nutrition Month. This means that the NNC Secretariatlinks with government organizations, local government units,nongovernment organizations, the academe, the media, and businesscorporations to make the celebration more meaningful. While theSecretariat has a limited human resource base of only over 100, theNNC network, composed of interagency nutrition committees chairedby local chief executives, extends down to the barangay level.

3. What is the theme for this years celebration?

The theme for this years celebration is Sa pa gka ing ta m a a t sap a t ,wa st ong t imb ang n i baby ang ka t ap a t ! . The theme focuses on theimportance of giving appropriate complementary foods starting at sixmonths while continuing breastfeeding as a strategy to promotenutrition and health among children and prevent childhoodmalnutrition.

4. Why focus on complementary feeding?

Malnutrition among young children continues to be a major challenge

especially in developing countries including the Philippines. Scientificstudies have shown that levels of malnutrition are three to four timeshigher among older children when compared to infants. Results of the

7thNational Nutrition Surveys (2008) show that 8.2 % of infants, 25.4% of1-year old, 31.8% of 2-year old, 37.9% of 3-year old, 34.4% of 4-year oldand 38.2% of 5 year-old children were undernourished.

The first two years are considered the most critical in the life of thechild. This is the critical window for the promotion of optimal growth,health, and development. Insufficient quantities and inadequatequality of complementary foods, poor child-feeding practices and highrates of infection have a detrimental impact on health and growthduring these important years. Even with optimum breastfeeding,children can become stunted if they do not receive sufficientquantities of quality complementary foods at six months of age(Lancet, 2008).

Thus, improved feeding of children under two years of age is important.Continued breastfeeding beyond six months accompanied by the


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consumption of nutritionally adequate, safe and appropriatecomplementary foods will help meet nutritional requirements of infantswhen breastmilk is still important but is no longer sufficient.

In the Philippines, only about 59% receive complementary feedingbetween 6-9 months (Figure 1). The regions with complementaryfeeding rates below national average are regions 1, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12 andNCR. On the other hand, 11.8% of infants below six months receivedcomplementary feeding earlier than six months (Figure 2). Infants are

worse off than the national level in regions NCR, CAR, 2, 5, 7, 9 andCARAGA.

Percent of infan ts below six (6) months that received Compplem entary Feedin g (NDHS,2003)

16.023.8

6.910.8 8.0

31.7

5.7

14.6 11.6

27.0

9.1 8.2 8.0

31.3

10.716.7

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

NCR

CAR

I II III IV V VI VII

VIII IX X XI XI

I

Carag

a

ARMM

R eg ion (s )

CF before six(6) months

National: 11.8%

Figure 2. Percent of infants below six months that receivedcomplementary feeding, 2003

Source: NSCB. National Demographic and Health Survey, 2003.

% o f i n fan ts t ha t r ece i ved CF be tween 6 t o 9 m on ths (NDH S' 03 )

50.0

66.7

56.562.5 61.1

54.347.1

72.468.4

80.0

39.1

75.0

56.452.6

67.962.5

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

100.0

NCR

CAR

I II III IV V VI VII

VIII IX X XI XI

I

Carag

a

ARMM

R e g i o n ( s )

National: 59%

Figure 1. Percent of infants that received complementaryfeedin between 6 to 9 months

Source: NSCB. National Demographic and Health Survey, 2003.


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5. What is complementary feeding?

Complementary feeding is the giving of foods to infants starting at sixmonths,in addition to breast milk. The additional foods and liquids are

called complementary foods because these are only additional orsupplemental to breastfeeding, and not sufficient on their own as adiet.

Complementary foods used to be more commonly called "weaningfoods". However, some experts advise that the use of the term "weaningfoods" should be avoided so as not to imply that complementary foodsare meant to be given to infants as they are weaned or removed fromthe breast. Complementary feeding should not displace breast milk orinitiate the withdrawal of breastfeeding.

6. What are the characteristics of desirable complementary feedingpractices?

Infants and young children are very vulnerable to malnutrition duringthe transition period from exclusive breastfeeding to complementaryfeeding. Thus, it is important that their nutritional needs are met

through appropriate complementary feeding practices.Complementary foods must be:

a. given timely meaning that they are given at six completedmonths when their need for energy and nutrients exceeds whatcan be provided through exclusive and frequent breastfeeding;

b. nutritionally adequate meaning that the recommendedamount for his/her age provide sufficient energy, protein,

micronutrients and other essential nutrients to meet a growingchilds nutritional needs;

c. safe meaning that they are hygienically stored and prepared,and are fed with clean hands using c lean utensils;

d. properly fed meaning that foods are given consistent with achilds signals of appetite and satiety, and that meal frequencyand feeding method are suitable for age.

7. When is the right time to start complementary feeding?

From six months and older, there is a gap between the total energyneeds of the baby and energy and nutrients provided by breast milk.As the baby grows, the energy and nutrient gap increases. Thus, thesixth month is the best time to start giving complementary foods.


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Exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months and startingcomplementary feeding at six completed months while continuingbreastfeeding up to two years and beyond will help a child to growhealthy.

In addition, at six months, the babys digestive system is mature enoughto digest a range of foods. The baby also begins to develop thecoordination skills to move solid food from front to back of the mouthfor ingestion. The control of the baby's head is improved and the babyis able to sit with support. These are important skills in eating solid foods.A 6-month old baby who looks and grabs at foods is a clear sign thathe/ she is ready to eat.

The following are some common signs to indicate that a child is readyto start complementary feeding at six months:

a. holds his/her head straight when sitting downb. opens his/her mouth when food approachesc. is interested in food when others eat

d. receives frequent breastfeeds but appears hungry soon aftere. is not gaining weight adequately.

8. What are the risks of starting complementary feeding too early or toolate?

Starting complementary feeding before the sixth month may:

a. Reduce breast milk production or intake. The early introductionof other foods into the infant's diet decreases the frequency ofbreastfeeding and intensity of suckling and as a consequencebreast milk production also decreases. When this happens, the

additional food may take the place of breast milk, making itdifficult to meet the childs nutritional needs.

b. Contribute to increased rates of infant mortality and morbidity.The early introduction of complementary foods increases the risk

of illness, diarrhea, wheezing and other allergic conditions

because a child receives less of the protective fac tors present inbreast milk. Studies have shown that the incidence of diarrhea is3 to 13 times higher when breastfed infants are givencomplementary foods between 4 to 6 months than when theyare exclusively breastfed. Furthermore, babies fed early withrestricted diets and living in unsanitary environments suffer frommore frequent diarrheal episodes. The incidence of diarrhea isattributed to the lack of potable water, the use of watercontaminated with Esc he rich ia c ol i, and improper food storage.


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c. Increase the risk of mothers becoming pregnant. Breastfeedingmothers are protected from getting pregnant becausebreastfeeding is considered a natural contraceptive. Withshorter duration and less frequent breastfeeding, mothers lose

this inherent protective factor.d. Interfere with iron absorption. Studies have also shown that the

early introduction especially of cereals and vegetables caninterfere with the absorption of breast milk iron, which is normallylow in concentration at the age of six months. Unless the child isfed with iron-rich food preparations, a child may be at a greaterrisk to iron deficiency or anemia.

On the other hand, delaying the giving of complementary foods is notbeneficial and is dangerous because the child will not get the energyand nutrients required to meet his/her growing needs. As a result, the

child's physical and mental development is affected and may lead togrowth faltering and eventually malnutrition.

9. What are recommended complementary foods?

Breastmilk is considered the complete food for the baby from birth upto six months. This means that breastmilk alone is what a baby needsfor the first six months of life. At the sixth month, the baby should begiven additional foods in the recommended amount for his/her agethat will provide sufficient energy, protein, micronutrients and other

essential nutrients to meet the growing childs nutritional needs.

Parents should choose and prepare foods from the different foodgroups: energy-giving, body-building, and body regulating foods or

what we know as GO, GROW and GLOW foods.

Energy-giving (GO) foods: The main nutrients in this food group are

carbohydrates and fats. Carbohydrates and fats are chief sources ofenergy. Examples of foods in this group are: rice, corn, root crops,bread and bakery products, noodles, cooking oil, butter, margarine

and other fats, and sugars.

Body-building (GROW) foods: These foods are high in protein andminerals needed for growth and repair of body tissues. Protein alsogives energy, but it is important as a body-building nutrient. The foodsin this group are: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, organ meats, milk and milkproduc ts, and dried beans like mongo and nuts. These foods are alsohigh in vitamin A and iron that can be used readily by the body.


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Regulating (GLOW) foods: Included in this group are fruits andvegetables high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Vitamins and mineralsare essential for growth, for healthy eyes, for strong bones and teethand high resistanc e to infec tions. Fiber is important for regular bowel

movement.

Table 1 may be used as a guide when preparing foods for the childuntil about 12 months. At one year onwards, the child can eat theregular family meal.

Tabe 1. Complementary Feeding Guide

Food GroupAge of intr oducti on in mon ths

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

cup, thinlugao,

strained

cup, thicklugao

1 cup softcooked

Rice or lugao, cooked orcereals (e.g. oatmeal)

cup thincereal

cup, thickcereal

Root crop (e.g. camote,cassava, gabi), cooked

2-3 tbsp.mashed

Bread or biscuit 1 piece

Fruits, ripe (e.g. banana,papaya, mango)

2- tbsp.mashed

3 tbsp. cutinto smallpieces

4 tbsp.cut intofingersizedpieces

Vegetables, cooked 1 tbsp.mashed

1 tbsp.finely

chopped

1-2 tbsp.coarsely

choppedMeat, fish, and poultry,deboned, cooked well,ground, flaked or minced

1-1/3srvgs. 1-1/3srvgs.

1-1/3srvgs. 1-1/3srvgs.

1-1/3srvgs.

1-1/3srvgs.

1-1/3srvgs.

Egg, cooked egg-yolk

wholeegg

Legumes (mongo, whitebeans)

1-1/3srvgs.mashed

Whole milk 2 cups

Cooking oil or margarine,may be added to lugaoor meat and vegetable

dish

4 tsp

Sugar 3 tsp 3 tsp 3 tsp 3 tsp 3 tsp 3 tsp

Custards, pudding, plaingulaman or jello

1 tsp

Source: Adapted from the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, 2000 Edition, DOST-FNRI.

(Note: C urrent rec om mend a t ions from WHO refer to th ic ker

c onsistenc y o f c om p lem enta ry foo d s, i.e . the foo d must b e th ick

en oug h to sta y in the sp oo n. The u se o f who le m ilk is rec om m en d ed

whe n b ab y is no t b rea st fed . Refe r to m ore rec en t rec om me nd at ions in

Ta b le 2.)


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Parents should be careful in giving young c hildren shellfish and othercrustaceans and fruits with spores as these are known to cause allergicreactions; slippery foods like whole grapes, hotdogs and hard candiesto prevent choking; and dry, sticky foods that are difficult to chew and

swallow.

10. What are some guideposts when giving or preparing complementaryfoods for the child?

a. Introduce one new food at a time. Continue with the same foodfor 3 to 4 days until such time that the child gets used to the tasteof the food. Introducing mixed foods is not advisable, as this willonly create confusion to the child.

b. Start with small amounts of any food. Prepare only a smallamount (about 1 teaspoon) of the food to be introduced toavoid wastage. Increase the food quantity as the child ageswhile still maintaining frequent breastfeeding.

c. Increase food consistency and variety as the child ages,

adapting the diet to the infant's requirements and abilities. Usethick lugao and well mashed foodswhen starting solid food thengradually shift to a more viscous food with higher nutrient density

as the child gets older and become more active. For instance,at six months, mothers can start giving thick lugao and wellmashed vegetables then shift to thick lugao and mashed

vegetables with minced fish then to soft rice with chopped meator fish and vegetables. Make a transition to family diet at about12 months.

d. Diversify the diet of the child to improve quality andmicronutrient intake. A variety of foods from the three foodgroups and in the right quantity will assure the child of thenutrients she/he needs for optimum growth.

e. Never force an infant to eat. One common mistake amongmothers and caregivers is feeding the child when he/she does

not feel like eating. To ensure that the child eats when fed,mothers and caregivers should space the time betweenbreastfeeding and mealtime. It is good to give complementaryfoods only after breastfeeding is done.

f. Never force a child to eat foods that he/ she does not like. If thebaby objec ts to taking some foods, mix it with other foods he/shelikes until he/she becomes accustomed to the flavor.


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g. Season babys foods very slightly. When starting, the baby's foodshould be bland not too spicy, peppery, pungent, salty or oily.When family foods are to be given, mothers should make surethat she separates some amount for the baby before this is

seasoned with salt or pepper. It is also important that salt shouldnot be added to the diet of the infant before the age of 1 yearbecause the baby's maturing kidneys cannot handle sodiumeffectively.

h. Be patient when feeding the child. Mothers and caregiversshould possess a positive attitude when dealing with, caring orfeeding the child. A cheerful disposition of the mother andcaregiver will help encourage him/her to eat more. It will alsohelp if mothers or caregivers talk or interact with the child duringfeeding sessions as this will stimulate the senses of the child.

11. How can we improve the nutrient density or quality of complementaryfoods?

Oftentimes, the nutritional quality of family foods given to infants andyoung children is poor. The foods are also less digestible compared tocommercially prepared mixes.

Giving a variety or a mix of complementary foods is the best way forchildren to get enough energy, protein, and micronutrients for healthy

growth and development. Giving the right consistency of foods to the

child will also improve food intake.

A simple meal planning guide which could help mothers andcaregivers is given below:

BreakfastLunchDinner

=Rice orLugaoorCereals

+Beans orMeat or Fishor ChickenorEgg

+Green leafyand yellowvegetables

+Fruits + Cooking

Oil orMargarine

Snacks Biscuit, crackers, bread with margarine, mashed fruits, mashed root

crops/potatoes

The ordinary lugao can be made more nutritious and energy-densethrough the following:

a. Cook lugao or other cereals thicker by preparing it with lesswater. Lugao or cereals which are too thin or runny contain lesscalories.


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b. Add mashed/ finely chopped vegetable, meat, fish, eggs andfruits. Adding the soup of vegetables and meat or fish will alsoimprove the flavor.

c. Add fortified milk, sugar or chocolate powder.

d. Add a little cooking oil, margarine or butter to the lugao. The oilor butter will not only make the thick lugao softer, but also easierto eat and more tasty.

12. How much and how often should a child be fed?

The appropriate number of feedings depends on the nutritional qualityor nutrient density of the foods and the usual amounts consumed ateach feeding. If the food given is less nutrient-dense or the amount of

food consumed per meal is low and/or the child is no longer breastfed,more frequent feeding is required. It is important to increase thequantity and frequency of complementary feeding as the child getsolder. To achieve optimum growth and development, the followingrecommendation is suggested:

Table 2. Quantity, Variety and Frequency of Feeding

AMOUNTS OF FOODS TO GIVE THE CHILD

Age Texture Frequency Amount at each meal1

Initiation of

complementaryfoods at 6 months

Thick lugao, well mashed

foods

2 times per day

plus frequent breastfeeds

2-3 tablespoonfuls

7-8 months Mashed family foods 3 times per dayplus frequent breastfeeds

increasing gradually to2/3of a 250 ml cup ateach meal

9-11 months Finely chopped or mashedfoods, and foods that babycan pick up

3 mealsplus 1 snack between mealsplus frequent breastfeeds

3/4of a 250 mlcup/bowl

12-24 months Family foods, chopped ormashed if necessary

3 mealsplus 2 snacks between mealsplus frequent breastfeeds

A full 250 ml cup/bowl

THE AMOUNTS INDICATED ARE IN ADDITION TO FREQUENT BREASTFEEDS. IF BABY IS NOT

BREASTFED, GIVE IN ADDITION: 1-2 CUPS OF MILK PER DAY, AND 1-2 EXTRA MEALS PER DAY.1Adapt the chart to use a suitable local cup/bowl to show the amount. One cup = 250ml; one tablespoon = 10ml.

Source: WHO. Infant and young child counseling: An integrated course: Participants manual, (2008 version).

Initially, when the child is learning how to take new foods, give the foodwhen the child is hungry, that is, before breastfeeds. This will allow thechild to taste or get accustomed to the food. When the child isalready taking the lugao or mixture well, give the breastfeed first, andthen the food or better yet, the food is given during mealtimes and


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breastfeed is between meals. By doing so, the baby will suckle hardbecause he is hungry. This will encourage a continued supply of breastmilk.

13. Do young children also need extra fluids?

Infants who are exclusively breastfed do not need extra water.However, when other solid foods are introduced, they already needadditional water. Foods high in protein and electrolytes such as meatsand eggs may cause dehydration. Offer fluids such as clean (boiledand cooled) water or juices when the child seems thirsty. Extra fluid isalso required when a child is suffering from fever or diarrhea.

There are many commercially prepared fluids and drinks available inthe market. For young children, plain clean water and pure fruit juices

are recommended. Avoid giving drinks that are sugary, and those thatcontain stimulants such as softdrinks, coffee, and tea. Liquids shouldnever take the place of breastmilk and foods. Liquids can easily fill upthe childs stomach; thus, give drinks only in small amounts during a

meal or best give it at the end of the meal.

14. Should a sick child be fed?

Yes, it is important to practice frequent and responsive feeding duringand after illness. Feeding children with adequate and nutritious foods isnecessary to reduce the risk of becoming malnourished. During illness,mothers or caregivers are advised to:

a. increase the number of breastfeeds;b. offer small amounts of food frequently;c. give soft foods espec ially if the mouth or throat is sore;

d. give extra fluids if the child has fever or diarrhea; and,e. give foods that the child likes.

After illness, continue to breastfeed frequently and give complementaryfoods more frequently. Encourage the child to eat as much as possibleat each meal and continue this until the child rega ins any weight loss

and is growing well again.

15. Why is it important to ensure that complementary foods are clean and

safe?

At the age of six months up to 24 months, children are prone toillnesses. Children get sick when the food they eat and theirsurroundings are not clean and safe. Safe preparation and storage of


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complementary foods through good hygiene and proper foodhandling are important to ensure that complementary foods are cleanand safe.

Complementary foods are c lean and safe if they do not containpathogens, that is, no disease causing bacteria or harmful organismsthat cause conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, worms, typhoid, cholera,hepatitis), no harmful chemicals, pesticides or toxins, no bones or hardbits that may choke the child; and not boiling hot.

16. What are some guideposts to maintain cleanliness?

Parents and caregivers must practice good hygiene and proper foodhandling by:

a. washing with soap and clean water the caregivers andchildrens hands before food preparation and eating

b. using clean or potable water for food preparation

c. using only fresh foods

d. storing foods safely and serve foods immediately after food

preparation

e. keeping perishable foods and cooked foods in a refrigerator or ina cool place

f. keeping away flies by covering cooked foods

g. letting the child eat prepared foods within two hours if there is no

refrigerator

h. storing leftovers properly

i. feeding the child with a c lean spoon, cup and plate

j. keeping the house and the surroundings clean

k. disposing children's waste properly and washing hands

afterwardsl. keeping food and utensils in clean cabinets

m. not "cooling" the baby's food by blowing on it

n. not chewing the food first before giving it to the child.


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To keep foods free from toxin and harmful chemicals, parents andcaregivers must:

a. keep and store foods properly

b. not use foods with molds and foods with signs of spoilagec. keep chemicals away from children and in a separate cabinet.

17. How should parents and caregivers feed young children?

Inappropriate feeding practices and behaviors are importantdeterminants of malnutrition. Improving complementary feeding notonly requires appropriate foods, attention must also be given tofeeding behaviors of caregivers and family members. A child needssupport and assistance that is appropriate for his or her age and

developmental needs to ensure that he or she is eating adequateamounts of complementary food. This is called responsive feeding.

Mothers and caregivers should practice responsive feeding by:

a. Assisting children to eat, being sensitive to their cues or signals;

b. Feeding slowly and patiently, and encouraging children to eat butnot forcing them;

c. Talking to children during feeding with eye-to-eye contac t asthese will also help develop his/her mental capacities;

d. Trying different methods of encouragement and experimentingwith different food combinations, tastes, textures if the childrefuses to eat;

e. Minimizing distractions during mealtimes if the child loses interesteasily; and

f. Letting older children join family meals which they will really enjoy.

18. How do we know that the child is getting enough breast milk and

complementary foods?

Regularly monitoring the growth (weight and height) of the child is auseful and important way to know if he/she is taking enough breast milkand complementary food and is healthy. Measure his/her height andweight regularly and plot these on a growth chart.

With sufficient breast milk and food of good nutritional quality, thechild's weight and height will continue to increase correspondingly withhis/her age. The growth chart can also be used as a tool for teaching


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mothers and caregivers if they are feeding the child properly. Adecrease in the weight of the child is a signal that she/he is notproperly fed and or cared for.

19. What infant mixes are available in the market?

There are many industrially-processed complementary foods readilyfound in supermarkets, convenience stores and even the

neighborhood sari-sari stores that mothers and caregivers convenientlyuse but these are often expensive and may not really provide the bestnutrition for infants and young children.

Other infant supplementary mixes are also available in selected areaslike the Nutr ipakPlus, Ka ling a , Kalam ay -ha t iand Insumix. These

products consist of a mixture of ground rice, mung beans, and sesameor ground fish and are commonly used during feeding programs. Theyare usually produced in a relatively lower scale, often by community-

based organization of women or by local government units, except forNutripak.

Even if a mother decides to feed commercially prepared infant foodswhich are quick, easy and convenient to prepare, it is still important toprovide home-prepared foods so that the child will get accustomed toa wide range of foods, flavors and textures.

20. What are policies and programs that promote appropriatecomplementary feeding practices?

a. In 2002, WHO and UNICEF jointly developed the Global Strategyfor Infant and Young Child Feeding to revitalize world attentionto the impact that feeding practices have on the nutritionalstatus, growth and development, health, and survival of infantsand young children. It aims to improve the nutritional status ofinfants and young children through optimal feeding and toeducate families on the correct way of feeding their childrenfrom birth up to the first two years of life.

b. The Philippines adopted the Global Strategy by renewing itscommitment to infant and young child nutrition. The NationalPolicy on Infant and Young Child Feeding was issued throughDOH Administrative Order 2005-14 to guide health and nutritionworkers and other stakeholders to protec t, promote and supportexclusive breastfeeding and timely and appropriatecomplementary feeding prac tices. In support of this policy, the


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National Plan of Action for IYCF was approved for 2005-2010.Currently, the plan is being updated for the next medium-term.

c. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Milk Code was

approved in 2006 through DOH Administrative Order 2006-0012and was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007 to strengthenthe promotion, protection and support to breastfeeding andregulation of marketing of breastmilk substitutes including infantformulam milk products, foods and benerages, including bottle-fed complementary foods when marketed as partial or totalreplacement of breastmilk; feeding bottles and teats.

d. The Medium-Term Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2005-2010was updated for 2008-2010 to prioritize actions towardsimproving infant and young child feeding. The MTPPAN will

likewise be updated for the next planning cycle, 2011-2016.

e. Under the Promote Good Nutrition component of theAccelerated Hunger-Mitigation Program (AHMP), the NNC is

conducting a multi-level campaign to promote infant and youngchild feeding including conduct of trainings on IYCF counselingto increase exclusive breastfeeding and promote appropriate

complementary feeding practices.

f. In 2008, the DOH launched an integrated Maternal, Neonataland Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) Strategy. The MNCHNStrategy works to ensure that all pregnancies are wanted,planned, supported, and well-managed; deliveries are facility-based and managed by skilled birth attendants; and all mothersand newborns receive good postpartum and postnatal care. Itaims to improve health service delivery, proper regulation ofhealth facilities, capacity-building of health care staff, improved

health financ ing, and establishment of governance mechanismsto ensure political commitment and accountability.

21. What can be done to promote complementary feeding practices?

Below are recommended ways by which infant and young childfeeding practices including complementary feeding can bepromoted, protected and supported:

a. Pass loc al resolutions or ordinances supportive to infant andyoung child feeding practices e.g. EO 51 enforcement, adoptionof RA 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Ac t;Adoption of National IYCF Policy;


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b. Organize and support breastfeeding/ IYCF support groups toprovide peer-to-peer counseling to pregnant women andmothers with infants 0-2 years old

c. Monitor the Milk Code and report violations

d. Produce affordable ready-mixes of fortified complementaryfoods; these could also be used during emergency feeding forinfants older than 6 months

e. Develop local IEC materials promoting key messages on IYCF

f. Conduct seminars, public fora to generate public awareness onthe importance of complementary feeding and dispelmisconceptions and fallacies

22. What are some ways to celebrate NM 2010?

Various stakeholders continue to celebrate nutrition month in a number

of ways. Some local government units conduct parades, healthy babycontests, quiz bees, poster-making contests, seminars and lectures andother ac tivities. These are modified according to the current theme.

One way could be to conduct food demonstrations on thepreparation of nutritious complementary food mixes or conduct acomplementary feeding counseling day for mothers with youngchildren.

For more information or queries about NM, please write or callThe Nutrition Ac tion Officer in your province/city/municipality or the

National Nutrition C ounc il

2332 Chino Roces Avenue ExtensionTaguig City

Telefax Numbers 843-5838 / 843-5818

E-mail: [email protected]/ [email protected]


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References

_________________. Administrative Order 2006-0005.

_________________. Com plem enta ry fee d ing o f yo ung c h ild ren in dev e lop ing

c ou ntries: a rev iew of c urrent sc ient i fic know led g e. World HealthOrganization, Geneva, WHO/NUT/98.1, 1998.

_________________. Glob a l st ra te gy fo r in fan t a nd young c h ild feed ing .Geneva: World Health Organization; 2003.

_________________. In fa nt an d yo ung c hild c ou nsel ing : An in teg rate d c ou rse:Participants manual. [Geneva: World Health Organization].

_________________. National Plan of Action for Infant and Young ChildFeeding, 2005-2010 (unpublished, undated).

_________________. Nutrition Guidelines for Filipinos. FNRI-DOST, Taguig City.2000.

_________________. Updated Medium-Term Philippine Plan of Action forNutrition, 2008-2010. National Nutrition C ouncil (unpublished, undated).

Department of Health. Administrative Order 2005-0014. National Policies onInfant and Young Child Feeding

Food and Nutrition Research Institute, DOST. 7th Na tion a l Nut rit ion Survey.

[Taguig City, Philippines: Food and Nutrition Research Institute, 2008].

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rules and regulations on philippine importation

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