ILOILO – To increase the vaccination coverage against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) here and at the same time promote family nutrition, the provincial government is integrating two programs.
“As we celebrate Nutrition Month with the Department of Health (DOH) and National Nutrition Council (NCC), we take this opportunity to integrate our COVID-19 vaccination program,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
He dubbed this two-in-one strategy “Project Nutrivac: Nutrition and Vaccination Towards a New Normal”.
The regular and booster vaccination for priority eligible populations will be coupled with the distribution of “nutrivac” packs or food packs to families with children who are underweight, wasted or stunted and to those who will avail themselves of COVID-19 vaccination, including indigent families.
According to Defensor, this scheme is also a way of incentivizing COVID-19 vaccination to increase vaccine uptake.
He said the provincial government has so far inoculated 80.10 percent of its priority eligible population (first dose) while 74.37 percent were completely vaccinated already.
However, only 225,019 or 13.36 percent have availed themselves of booster shots, said Defensor.
A total of 40,901 (17.10%) senior citizens and 47,454 (33.35%) for the rest of the adult population received their booster shots.
“Project Nutrivac: Nutrition and Vaccination Towards a New Normal” was created through Executive Order No. 307 issued by Defensor on July 2.
Municipalities shall be allocated “nutrivac” packs based on nutrition indicators and pro-rated based on population.
Provincial data on nutrition among zero to five ears old showed that 2,552 children (1.58%) are wasted while 12,016 (7.46%) are stunted.
Wasting is defined as low weight-for-height. It often indicates recent and severe weight loss, although it can also persist for a long time. It usually occurs when a person has not had food of adequate quality and quantity and/or they have had frequent or prolonged illnesses.
On the other hand, stunting is defined as low height-for-age. It is the result of chronic or recurrent undernutrition, usually associated with poverty, poor maternal health and nutrition, frequent illness and/or inappropriate feeding and care in early life. Stunting prevents children from reaching their physical and cognitive potential.
The Department of Education reported that among five to 12 years old in the province, 15,404 children are severely wasted and 3,242 are severely stunted. (With a report from LHC, Capitol News/PN)
