Complementary feeding highlights celebration of Nutrition Month

CEBU, Philippines - Complementary feeding is the center of this year’s Nutrition Month, which was launched yesterday by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) at Cabalen Restaurant, SM City, Cebu.

With the theme, “Sa pagkaing tama at sapat, wastong timbang ni baby ang katapat,” the 36th Nutrition Month highlights the importance of complementary food for infants.

“Breast milk alone is not enough for growing needs of the child,” said Dr. Nayda Bautista of Center for Health Development of the Department of Health-7.

According to Bautista, complementary food has become a critical factor in promoting nutrition and health among children to prevent malnutrition.

She added that continued breastfeeding of children beyond six months accompanied by nutritionally appropriate complementary food will help meet nutritional requirements of infants, especially when breast milk is no longer sufficient.

Dr. Parolita Mission of the NNC-7 stated that Central Visayas now has a lesser case of undernourished children.

Yesterday, a kiddie parade of children six months to two years old with their mothers was held within SM followed by entertainment and games for children while their parents attended a forum on complementary feeding.

The launching program also marked the start of the “Feed Me” baby photo contest.

On July 17, a “Nutri Fun Day” will be held at the Cogon Ramos Sports Complex. Exhibits on complementary foods, health and nutrition services and a contest on complementary food cooking or preparation will highlight the event.

On August 3, a congress of nutrition action officers and the grand nutrition awards will culminate the month-long celebration. The awards will recognize the outstanding province, city and municipality in the region, and the outstanding barangay nutrition scholars.

The regional celebration of Nutrition Month is spearheaded by the Regional Nutrition Committee, an affiliate of the Regional Development Council.   (FREEMAN NEWS)