The government of the Philippines estimates that over 4.2 million children are stunted.
The government of the Philippines estimates that over 4.2 million children are stunted.

The passing of the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act (Republic Act 11148), most known as the First 1,000 Days bill, by Pres. Duterte on 29 November 2018, marked a turning point in health policy in the Philippines. With a range of nutritional products registered and already in use in programs across the country, Nutriset responds to the government’s call to tackle acute malnutrition and reduce the prevalence of stunting nationwide.

Under the First 1,000 Days bill, national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and the private sector are called to take collaborative action and establish partnerships to ensure that pregnant women and their children receive appropriate care, from the start of the pregnancy to the child’s first two years of life.

This new law reinforces the Childhood Care and Development Intervention Package (ECCD-IP), a 1000 days programmatic approach actioned by the Department of Health's National Nutrition Council (NNC) since 2016. This package of interventions has practices and health services converge to better achieve key targets, such as reduction of low birthweight, uptake of exclusive breastfeeding, use of certain supplementary foods, etc.

The government of the Philippines estimates that over 4.2 million children are stunted (short for their age) and that more than 300,000 children aged under 5 years old are severely wasted (thin for their height). These children are at high risk of life-long damaging consequences on their cognitive and intellectual capacities. This situation affects society: if the current rates of undernutrition are not addressed, the cost to the country’s economy is around $4.5 billion per year (1,5% of the GDP in 2015).

Through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, many corporate leaders operating in the Philippines commit to improving the livelihoods of their community. With the First 1000 Days bill, CSR funds can now be confidently invested in nutrition‑sensitive interventions, knowing that they will:

  • Actively contribute to the Government’s call to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty
  • Support community-transforming and future-shaping essential healthcare services targeting pregnant women and their children (starting at the onset of the pregnancy until the child is two years old)
  • Partner with leading organizations expert in the fight against malnutrition, particularly stunting
  • Engage with communities and build partnerships that connect your action to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Recognized globally for its range of specialized products and expertise in research and development of nutritional solutions, Nutriset is ready to work with CSR fund managers and corporate leaders willing to invest in nutrition as a mean, not only to respond to a public health priority but, to strengthen the economy and to build a better future for all in the Philippines. 

Contact us: 
20/F, Zuellig Building, Makati Avenue Corner, Paseo de Roxas
Makati City 1226, Philippines
+63 (0)2 465 9277
contact@nutriset.ph

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