The Department of Health and the United Nations signed an agreement on Monday to formalize their partnership in addressing malnutrition in the Philippines.

 The memorandum of understanding, which was also signed by UNICEF, the United Nations Office for Project Services, and the World Bank, adopts a  multi-sectoral approach to achieve nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across 235 local government units across the country, as well as 40 municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

 The agreement supports the broader Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project, a four-year project spearheaded by the DoH and co-led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

 According to the DoH, the project aims to increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting.

It will also enhance the capacity of the DoH and will support the delivery of nutrition and health care services at the primary care and community levels in municipalities known to have a high incidence of poverty and malnutrition.

 Health Secretary Ted Herbosa underscored the current efforts of the government to address decades-long malnutrition in the country.

 "The Marcos administration sets this intervention as part of its foundation for social and economic development by ensuring women and children's access to the first 1,000 days of services as a critical investment in our country's human capital," Herbosa said.

 "This collaboration between the DoH and the UN is a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier and better future for the Filipino people, especially women and children," he added.

Meanwhile, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand Ndiame Diop reiterated the importance of addressing malnutrition, which affects not only the physical and mental development of a child but also the economy.

 "Improving the nutritional status of children is crucial for achieving the country's goals of enhancing human capital, strengthening economic recovery, and fostering long-term growth," he said.

 For her part, UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov stressed that good nutrition is a "fundamental child's right."

 "The need for healthy diets, multisectoral services, and practices that protect, promote, and support good nutrition has never been greater," Dendevnorov said.

 "By strengthening national and local systems and improving access to essential services in communities, we can help children not only survive but thrive," she added.

 She noted that UNICEF is "committed to supporting efforts to end child stunting, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential."

 This is also in association with the community-driven development approach of DSWD Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, where to date implementing communities have initiated more than 3,000 procurement packages using the community-based procurement system, with over 600 contracts successfully fulfilled.

All these efforts are dedicated to improving access to and utilization of clean water, proper sanitation, enhanced hygiene practices, and access to Early Childhood Care and Development services.

 The partnership between the DoH and the UN is set to enhance the DoH's access to global expertise and resources, thereby expanding its knowledge base and network, the signatories said.