PIA Press Release
Tuesday, January 24, 2012NNC to mitigate hunger in Central LuzonCITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Central Luzon collaborated with stakeholders to resolve hunger and malnutrition, especially in heavily-hit areas by typhoons Pedring and Quiel last year.The NNC, together with members of the inter-agency Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) and provincial nutrition action officers (PNAO) of the seven provinces in the region, is set to implement the special Hunger Alleviation and Improve Nutrition (HAIN) program in disaster-stricken areas in Central Luzon brought by typhoons as a post-disaster response. HAIN aims to reduce hunger and improve the nutrition situation in the province. According to nutrition program coordinator in Central Luzon Maria Vicenta Magpantay, the objective of the program is to reduce the prevalence of underweight-for-age among children zero to eight years old. It also aims to prevent stunting among children six months to two years old, improve food intake in participating households, increase income opportunities among target households and improve knowledge and practice of key health and nutrition concepts and behavior. Magpantay said the program is divided into two components such as core components or direct or consumptive and complementary components or indirect. Core components include hot meals or dry ration and rice distribution, while complementary components consist of health services, nutrition education and counseling, home, school and community food production, livelihood, employment and infrastructure support. To achieve the objectives of HAIN, Magpantay said that there will be consultations with the local government units to identify the number of prioritized municipalities and barangays. The said post-disaster response program is targeted to start by middle of February this year. (WLB/JGB- PIA 3) | 
