World Food Programme on fighting malnutrition with Supplementary Feeding Programme

One of the problems that most of the chilren encountered especially in poor and conflict-affected areas is malnutrition. It makes them vulnerable to sickness and might lead to death. That’s why the United Nations World Food Programme,  the largest humanitarian agency in the world includes supplementary feeding programme in on of ther projects in areas that they targeted.  

In the Philippines,  particularly in Central Mindanao, the province of Maguindanao is the main beneficiaries of the supplementary feeding programme which aims to prevent moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Aside from the usual physical development,  malnutrition also affects the emotional and mental growth of the children. As of today, WFP through their Cotabato sub-office in the Philippines targets 20 municipalities in Maguindanao that will undergo with the project.   WFP divided the program into two group; MAM treatment or targeted and MAM Prevention or blanket. The targeted has more than 7, 000 childred from 6-59 months and includes Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Guindulungan, Mamasapano,  South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan sa Barongis and Talitay. Each children will receive a plumpy doz pot per week which they will take 3 tablespoons per day. Plumpy doz contains peanut base, vegetable fat, complex vitamins,  cocoa, maltodextrin, whey, skimmed milk powder,  sugar, lecithin, mineral and emulsifier. Together with proper meal it will help them gain nutrients needed by their body. Meanwhile,  the blanket aims to prevent the progression from moderate to severe acute malnutrition.  

Under this they have around 13, 000 children ages fron 6-23 months and municipalities include Barira, Matanog, Parang, Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Buluan,  Mangudadagu, Sultan sa Mastura, GSKP and Upi. They also receive Plumpy doz.   Children in the partner municipalities were selected by the Integrated Provincial Hospital Office (IPHO) with the help of the Local Government Units (LGUs).  

With the WFP supplementary feeding programme it will help answer the problem on malnutrition and reduce child mortality in the country.