“Good Nutrition is the foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development.” What are your insights on this quote?
It is easy to agree with the statement since nutrition is a fundamental part of human health, especially in children. A child’s body is still developing and it needs nutrients to support this development. Nutrients are also necessary to accommodate a child’s good health and boost their immune system, consequently their survival. Poor diets in early childhood leads to deficiencies in essential nutrients which weakens a child’s immunity and can lead to common childhood diseases like diarrhea.
To address this necessity, the First 1,000 Days law was established by the government to improve the national and local health and nutrition programs for strengthening strategies for maternal, neonatal, and child health and nutrition in the first 1,000 days of their lives.
An obvious example of the importance of good nutrition for children is recognized malnourished children. Good nutrition is the key to treat and prevent complications to save their lives, especially since children who have severe malnutrition have a 9-12% increased risk of death.
References:
Department of Health. (n.d.). First 1,000 days law - the best Christmas gift of Duterte administration to Filipino mothers and their children. First 1,000 Days Law - the best Christmas gift of Duterte administration to Filipino mothers and their children | Department of Health Website. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://doh.gov.ph/node/16268
UNICEF. (2017, April 5). DOH delivers Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food for severely malnourished children to priority provinces. UNICEF. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/doh-delivers-ready-use-therapeutic-food-severely-malnourished-children-priority#:~:text=%E2%80%9CGood%20nutrition%20is%20the%20foundation,Deputy%20Representative%20Julia%20Rees%20says
UNICEF. (n.d.). Early childhood nutrition. UNICEF. Retrieved March 18, 2022, from https://www.unicef.org/nutrition/early-childhood-nutrition