TO prevent death and illness caused by malnutrition during major emergencies such as earthquakes, severe typhoons and floods, the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region in partnership with the Health Emergency Bureau, the National Nutrition Council (NNC), UNICEF and Relief International conducted a four-day training on “Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) Training” for health and nutrition workers involved in safeguarding the health and nutrition of population at the local level held in San Fernando City, La Union from February 27 – March 1, 2024.
“We have to address the capacity of our health workers in managing the nutrition need of affected population in times of calamities and emergencies and ensure the provision of technical assistance including financial and logistical needs in order that adequate requirements are met,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated.
“Napakahalaga ng nutrisyon sa ating kalusugan at kailangan natin itong itaguyod lalo sa mga panahon ng krisis upang hindi ito maging sanhi ng malnutrisyon at maiwasan ang pagkakasakit at pagkamatay.”
“Because affected populations during emergencies are more likely to experience malnutrition because of lack or inadequate food and water, poor access to health services and inadequate delivery of assistance,” she explained.
The training includes topic on NiE, discussions on the guidelines/components of nutrition interventions, formulating plans on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health – Nutrition in Emergencies (DRRM-H-NiE). A simulation exercise was conducted to validate and enhance the DRRM-H-NiE of all provinces in Region I.
Regional HEMS coordinator Dr. Joy Vallesterol-Suguitan said that participants must be well-trained to implement the nutrition interventions for maintenance or improvement of the nutritional status of the affected population.
The “Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) Training” to health workers is an initiative of the Regional HEMS Unit.
Among the attendees were provincial health team leaders, medical doctors, nurses, midwives, nutrition dieticians, nutrition officers, health program officers, development managers, dentists and sanitary inspectors.
Participants of the 4-day “Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) Training” in San Fernando, La Union from February 27- March 1, 2024, engage in a simulation exercise to validate and enhance nutrition plans during disasters.
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