Local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas are adopting nutrition programs that are geared toward making children healthier during their first 1,000 days, or about 2 years and 7 months.

In line with Nutrition Month, there will be various activities with the theme “Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1,000 Days Tutukan” (Fight malnutrition, focus on first 1,000 days) while the National Nutrition Council-Region 7 (NNC-7) secured the commitment of support of local officials for the implementation of the first 1,000 days program.

NNC-7 also laid the groundwork for the organization of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) network at the sub-national level.

The SUN is a United Nations-established movemen that seeks to eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030.

Parolita Mission, NNC-7 Director, said in a statement on Sunday that anti-malnutrition campaigns are already planned for the year.

The Cebu local government units of Liloan, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Bantayan Island, and other localities in Central Visayas will implement year-long feeding programs for children, continuous monitoring of pregnant residents, and campaigns on breastfeeding to combat malnutrition.

Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco and the Sangguniang Bayan launched feeding programs for all their 14 barangays on July 5.

“A healthy community is a happy community,” Frasco said in a statement.

In Mandaue City, the youth sector will help promote the consumption of vegetables and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamins will be distributed to children while vegetable seedlings and one-day-old chicks for backyard gardening will augment the income opportunities of families. (PNA)