Barangay Nutrition Scholars in the Community Health Team Assistant Secretary of Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores, CESO II Executive Director IV
Legal basis “To strengthen the Barangay Nutrition Program, there shall be a project under the administration of the National Nutrition Council, which shall provide for one (1) barangay nutrition scholar in every barangay.” -- Section 1, PD 1569,
The BNS is... Barangay-based volunteer worker responsible for delivering to the barangay nutrition services and other related activities such as: Community health Backyard food production Environmental sanitation Culture Mental feeding, and Family planning 3
Deployment of BNSs RegionTotalNNC assist RegionTotalNNC assist 13,5512,18072, ,8181,29484, , , NCR , CAR2, , A3,5361,434121, B2, CARAGA 1, ,6171,082 ARMM 38 63,705350Total39,55511,566 4
Extent of involvement of BNSs in CHTs Participation by area = 0 – 100% (very limited source*) Average of 49.9% (very limited source*) * Based on reports from NCR; CAR; MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, Iriga City; Ligao City; Tabaco City; Malinao, Polangui and Tiwi in Albay; Sorsogon Province and City; Del Gallego in Camarines Sur; Region 7; Aklan; Antique; Ormoc City 5
BNS Involvement in CHTs Assist in the survey and profiling Active case finding and follow-up of priority population groups (pregnant, infants, young children) among NHTS families for referral to appropriate health services Nutrition education through FDS, and counseling on infant and young child feeding; also advocacy on family planning Distribution of vitamin A and other available micronutrient supplements Weigh children monthly Provide inputs for reports, assist in preparing report s 6
Concerns raised by Aklan and Antique PHO Positive results of involvement of those in the Nurse Deployment Program in training, monitoring and mentoring CHTs; presence of focal person for CHT at DOH Regional Office; mas natututukan Need for some kind of checklist for midwives on prenatal care for each visit The focus on NHTS leaves out other equally needy families in the community 7
8 Visit, read, fb, watch, , call 2332 Chino Roces Ave Extension, Taguig City Tel. (02) Fax
Aklan – Dr. Leslie Ann Luces Antique – Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo Cebu – Dr. Cynthia Genosolango E. Samar – Ms. Sallie Jabinal Tacloban – Ms. Maria Lourdes Tabao Ormoc – Ms. Rhissa Nastor 9