SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – To strengthen the region's preparedness in addressing the nutritional needs of communities during emergencies, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region recently provided a Nutrition in Emergencies training for health and nutrition workers.
"This training equips our health workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the nutritional requirements of affected populations during disasters," emphasized DOH-Region 1 Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco.
She added, "Ensuring access to adequate nutrition is crucial in preventing malnutrition and its associated health risks, especially in times of crisis."
The training covered essential intervention guidelines and practical exercises in formulating disaster risk reduction and management plans specifically focused on nutrition in emergencies.
Participants of the “Nutrition in Emergencies Training” in San Fernando City, La Union engage in a simulation exercise to validate and enhance nutrition plans during disasters. (photo courtesy of the Department of Health-Region 1)
An interactive simulation further solidified participants' understanding and helped refine the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health-Nutrition in Emergencies plans for each province in Region 1.
"These well-trained personnel are now better equipped to implement critical interventions that will maintain or improve the nutritional status of affected communities," stated Dr. Joy Vallesterol-Suguitan, regional Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) coordinator.
This training program, spearheaded by the Regional HEMS Unit, was conducted in collaboration with the Health Emergency Bureau, National Nutrition Council, United Nations Children's Fund, and Relief International.
This initiative demonstrates the Ilocos Region's commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of its citizens even in the face of emergencies like typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)
