Action
UNICEF promotes, supports and advocates for a culture of breastfeeding. We helped put up more public breastfeeding rooms and breastfeeding community support groups throughout the country. We support the health department to more strictly enforce the Philippine Milk Code, which bans advertising of breast milk substitutes. We train health care workers on proper infant and young child feeding and providing breastfeeding counselling. We help address preventable diseases and malnutrition among young children. UNICEF works with the Department of Health to carry out health campaigns nationwide. UNICEF provides vaccines, cold chain equipment and syringes for the Expanded Programme on Immunization. The Garantisadong Pambata or Child Health Days is a yearly campaign wherein children in impoverished areas receive immunization, deworming and given vitamin A supplements. We help promote the use of iodized salt through information campaigns and partnerships with local markets, governments and businesses. UNICEF trains health workers and medical institutions to respond to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. We are extending coverage of maternal health services and basic emergency obstetric care. Mothers and caregivers are taught about proper nutrition, breastfeeding and psychosocial stimulation for young children. We also support the development of the Regional Emergency Obstetric Care Strategic Plan for Southern Mindanao, where maternal mortality rates are higher than elsewhere in the country. We assist in constructing more water and sanitation facilities for public elementary schools. Yearly, an additional 20,000-30,000 schoolchildren have better access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
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