MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Thursday that poor nutrition during pregnancy in the Philippines continues to affect maternal weight gain, fetal growth, and child development, contributing to underweight births, developmental delays, and what he described as “brain stunting” among children.
Herbosa made the statement during a press conference, where he said many pregnant women in the country do not receive adequate nutritional support, directly affecting fetal growth and brain development.
He said pregnant women who do not gain sufficient weight are more likely to give birth to underweight infants who face higher risks of premature delivery and other health complications.
Herbosa said the Department of Health (DOH) monitors indicators such as maternal weight gain, anemia, and birth weight to assess the effects of nutrition on pregnancy outcomes.
He said proper maternal nutrition is critical during the first 1,000 days of life, a period from conception to a child’s second birthday that plays a key role in brain development and physical growth.
Herbosa said the DOH implements maternal and child health programs that provide prenatal checkups, nutrition counseling, and iron and folic acid supplementation. He said public health facilities promote balanced diets and coordinate with local nutrition offices to deliver community-based information campaigns.
He said health workers encourage regular prenatal visits and breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods, to help reduce undernutrition and stunting.
Herbosa said the DOH will continue prioritizing the first 1,000 days in national health and nutrition strategies.