The World Health Organization (WHO) has set global targets to reduce the number of children under five who are stunted by 40% by 2025 and to maintain childhood wasting at less than 5%. Yet, global malnutrition rates remain too high. In the Philippines, one in every four Filipino children below the age of five is malnourished and stunted. Despite concerted efforts, the stunting rate has plateaued over the last decade, indicating a persistent challenge in ensuring adequate nutrition for our nation's youth. To ensure your children's health, it is essential to promote good nutrition. Yet there are some myths around children’s health and nutrition. Dr. Jose Dimaano, Jr., nutrition medical director for Asia Pacific in Abbott dispels some common misconceptions and the truths that parents should be aware of: Myth #1: A child's height is predetermined solely by genetics. Truth: While genetics do play a role in determining a child's height, it is not the sole factor. Nutrition an...
Childhood stunting is a health issue in the Philippines, and 2 in 3 moms are unaware of the long-term effects of stunting on childhood growth The Growth Watch initiative aims to accelerate efforts to help parents identify children’s growth issues early, seek treatment and prevent malnutrition Abbott is banding with communities to raise awareness, and offer online tools, educational resources, nutrition assessment and counselling to promote childhood growth Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano, Jr., Abbott Medical Director for Asia Pacific (middle), along with Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian Justinne Go, (left) and Cebu Mom Influencer Toni Pino-Oca (right) debunk common Filipino myths and misconceptions, promoting the importance of early and consistent growth monitoring and intervention. MANILA, Philippines, 7 November 2024 — Global statistics show childhood malnutrition is still a persistent health burden, including in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, 1 in 4 children...