TALKING POINTS 1. What is Nutrition Month?Nutrition Month is an annual event held every July in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 491 known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines which created the National Nutrition Council (NNC). The NNC coordinates the nationwide celebration. Each year the NNC comes up with a theme to call the nation's attention and action on a particular issue. 2. What is the theme for the 2011 Nutrition Month? The theme for the 2011 Nutrition Month is "Isulong ang BREASTFEEDING – Tama, Sapat, at EKsklusibo". The theme focuses on key messages to ensure successful breastfeeding practices. The theme supports the Department of Health's campaign on Communication for Behavioral Impact on breastfeeding which is "Breastfeeding TSEK (Tama. Sapat. EKsklusibo)." The objective of this year's Nutrition Month celebration is to encourage all sectors of society to help promote, protect and support correct breastfeeding practices. TSEK or Tama, Sapat at EKsklusibo means: o "Tama" by immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth, and initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life. 4. What is the importance of BREASTFEEDING TSEK? The protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding rank among the most effective interventions to improve child's survival. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that high coverage of optimal breastfeeding practices could avert 13% of the 10.6 million yearly deaths of children five years old and below. Evidence on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and early initiation includes: |
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