DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 July) — Malnourished children in the city classified under “wasting” status—described as the most visible and life-threatening form of malnutrition—have slightly increased this year, according to preliminary data from the City Health Office’s Nutrition Division.
From January to May 2025, 927 children under five years old were identified as “wasting,” representing 0.65% of the 142,863 children weighed so far under “Operation Timbang.” The CHO projects covering 185,799 children by year-end. In 2024, the rate was 0.62% (896 out of 145,415 children), while 2023 recorded a significantly lower 0.32% (537 out of 167,496).
UNICEF defines wasting as a severe condition where children are dangerously thin, with weakened immune systems, increasing risks of developmental delays, disease, and death.
Elizabeth B. Banzon, CHO Nutrition Division head, highlighted ongoing initiatives like “Gulayan sa barangay at paaralan” and school feeding programs to address malnutrition. The division, partnering with the City Agriculture Office, distributed seeds after the Nutrition Month event at SM Ecoland to promote food security.
Barangay Nutrition Councils (BNC) play a key role in grassroots efforts, with data shared to local leaders for targeted strategies. Lorna G. Carreon of the Barangay Nutrition Scholar Federation noted interventions like “ready-to-use therapeutic food” (RUTF)—a nutrient-rich paste endorsed by UNICEF.
However, Carreon cited challenges, including uncooperative parents refusing immunizations, Vitamin A, deworming tablets, or participation in “Operation Timbang.” (Razl EJ Teman / MindaNews)
