MALNUTRITION PREVALENCE IN CORDILLERA DECLINES IN 2024

August 31, 2024 Provincial

BAGUIO CITY

The Cordillera region has recorded a decline in the prevalence of malnutrition among zero to 59 months-old children this 2024. Department of Health Cordillera (DOH-CAR) Regional Director Ferdinand M. Benbenen reported during the recent Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) meeting that the 2024 Operation Timbang Plus (OPT)
data show stunting prevalence among zero to 59 months-old children decreased to 5.91 percent from 9.72 percent in
2020. Mountain recorded the Province highest prevalence rate of stunting with 10.28 percent, and Baguio City has the lowest with 2.68 percent.

On underweight, the prevalence rate decreased to 2.47 percent from 3.34 percent in 2020. Abra recorded the highest at 4.66 percent while Baguio City remains the lowest at 1.22 percent. Overweight and obesity also decreased to 1.89 percent from 2.50 percent in 2020. Apayao topped the list with 2.94 percent, and still, Baguio City has the lowest at 0.82 percent. Wasting prevalence rate or low weight for height among children under five in the region decreased to 0.69 percent from 1.73 percent with Abra registering the highest wasting prevalence rate with 1.63 percent, and the lowest is Ifugao at 0.24 percent.

The weight and height of 164,199 children in the region were measured through the 2024 OPT. The number represents 79.6 percent of the target population of children in the region based on 2024 population estimates.
Disaggregated by sex, all forms of malnutrition among under five children are prevalent among boys than girls. By age group, stunting and underweight are more prevalent among 34-47 months-old children or 3-4 years old. For wasting, it is more prevalent among children ages 12-23 months (1-2 years old), Benbenen reported.

Comparing the result of the 2024 OPT to the regional target based on the Regional Plan of Action on Nutrition, we
are able to attain our targets, Benbenen said. He stressed that addressing malnutrition requires collaboration of
various stakeholders at different levels. During the RSDC meeting, the DOH-CAR also presented updates on common health concerns and challenges, Health Facilities Enhancement Program 2024, Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services Centers, Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program, and dengue response status and accomplishments.

(MAWC-PIA-CAR)