TACLOBAN CITY — More than 100 children aged five and below underwent nutrition screening in Tacloban City as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a program aimed at identifying and addressing malnutrition among children in the area.
The screening was held Saturday,Sept.19, at the Church’s Tacloban Philippines Stake Center as part of its newly launched Child Nutrition Program, which covers children from its Tacloban Philippines Stakes in Tacloban City and the nearby towns of Palo, Tanauan, Alangalang and Santa Fe in Leyte, as well as Basey in Samar.
Rosemary Chibota, general president of the Church’s Primary organization, witnessed the launch. The Primary is the Church’s worldwide organization for children.
“The program makes sure that children are not starving and they’re eating the right food. Equally important is the spiritual nutrition and that parents make sure that their children are feasting upon the words of Christ,” Chibota said.
During the screening, children were measured for height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference to determine their nutritional status.
Church volunteers used the ShareMyHealth app to obtain immediate assessments of the children’s nutritional status during the activity.
The screening aims to identify children who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition so local Church units, known as wards, can provide appropriate assistance to their families.
Children identified as malnourished will be referred to physicians for further assessment and guidance on their nutritional needs.
Local Church leaders will also work with families to determine the assistance they may need. Intervention will continue until the child’s nutritional status returns to normal.
Mothers will also be trained to prepare nutritious food suited to their children’s needs and preferences.
The Church said the program is part of its efforts to support children and families and help children achieve their full potential.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
