She added that the majority of the Filipinos view stunting as “namamana” and not a major health concern to them. NNC’s Executive Director made it clear that stunting is not hereditary in nature because children when they are given proper nutrition and care, they have the ability to reach their full growth and development potential.

It was also emphasized that not only stunting affects the physical growth, it causes irreversible damage to brain development if not addressed within the First 1000 Days of a child. To avoid stunting and its consequences, the NNC encourages all parents of 0-24 months old children to regularly bring their child to a health center for growth monitoring. In addition, mothers should practice exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months and introduce complementary foods at six months while continuing breastfeeding for two years or more. Local government units are urged to ensure that services, especially for pregnant and lactating women and children below 2 years old are continuously implemented.

Likewise, the NNC Regional Offices held various activities, mostly online to kick-off this year Nutrition Month campaign.

You may watch the replay of the segment through this link: https://www.facebook.com/nncofficial/videos/2680736425502902 . To learn more about the upcoming activities of the NNC for the Nutrition Month celebration, visit the Facebook Page of the National Nutrition Council (Official) or email us at info@nnc.gov.ph. #2020NutritionMonth #IwasStunting #SamaALL

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