DAVAO City — The highest incidence of acute malnutrition among children remained to be recorded in far flung communities in Paquibato District, according to City Health Office (CHO) Nutrition Division.
Based on the data from the 2019 Operation Timbang, three barangays in Paquibato topped the list in terms of prevalence rate for under-five children that are wasted, and/or severely wasted, namely Brgy. Sumimao (18.64%), Pandaitan (10.1%), and Colosas (6.78%).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wasting in children “is a symptom of acute undernutrition, usually as a consequence of insufficient food intake or a high incidence of infectious diseases, especially diarrhea.”
“Wasting in turn impairs the functioning of the immune system and can lead to increased severity and duration of and susceptibility to infectious diseases and an increased risk for death,” it added.
Eloisa Simbajon, Nutrition Officer II explained that a child is wasted if its weight that for his height.
Next to the barangays in Paquibato, are Brgy New Carmen, Tugbok District, (6.33%) and Brgy Gumitan, Marilog District. (6.15%)
The CHO is also monitoring wasted children recorded in: Brgy. Dalaglumot, Marilog Dist; Brgy. Leon Garcia, Brgy. Lapu-lapu, and Brgy. R. Castillo in Agdao Dist; and Brgy. Baganihan, Marilog District. (davaotoday.com)
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