UP Manila joins worldwide initiatives for birth defects and rare diseases

MANILA - In celebration of the 5th World Birth Defects Day, the March of Dimes (MOD) together with World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) organized a webinar entitled: “Saving Lives of Babies with Birth Defects and Improving their Quality of Life” last March 03, 2021 (CET).

This webinar aimed to promote quality of care and universal health coverage for children with birth defects and to bring to light different perspectives and the need for this advocacy. Among the panelists was Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, Professor of Pediatrics, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Manila, where she shared the success story of the newborn screening program of the country.

After the webinar, MOD hosted a twitter chat that fostered important virtual discussions with various organizations from all over the world. The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health – Philippines whose advocacy includes the promotion of folic acid in the prevention of birth defects, participated actively in this unique event.

Dr. Padilla also attended the Rare Disease Day Policy event, a Call for a UN Resolution on Persons Living with a Rare Disease, "Why a UN Resolution and Why Now" on March 3, 2021 (CET). The overarching goal of the event is to position persons living with a rare disease (PLWRD) as a priority population in need of global and national policies that address their needs and contribute to achieving the UN 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals and their pledge to ‘leave no one behind’. At this event, the proposal from the rare disease civil society community, with the support of a number of UN Member States, is to adopt a UN General Assembly Resolution that can act as a catalyst towards this goal.#

WATCH: Rare Disease Day Policy Event, a Call for a UN Resolution

Published in the UP Manila Newsletter HealthScape
Special COVID-19 Issue No. 25 (15 March 2021)
Published by the UP Manila - Information, Publication, and
Public Affairs Office (IPPAO)

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Government and Academe Focus on Rare Diseases

In observance of the 12th National Rare Disease Week, the Institute of Human Genetics together with the Philippine Society of Orphan Disorders and the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health – Philippines (VYLH) launched their first webinar on rare diseases entitled “Puhon: Progress and Perspectives in Caring for the Filipino Rare” last 25 February 2021 via the Zoom webinar platform. 

The event was opened by the Director of the Institute of Human Genetics Dr. Maria Melanie Liberty Alcausin followed by an inspirational message from the Philippine Undersecretary of Health for Public Health Services, Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire. She emphasized that all individuals including those with rare disease should have access to quality healthcare. While this is a seemingly arduous task, she believes that it is attainable but “necessitates a whole of government, a whole of system and a whole of society approach”. She ended her message with a commitment statement that “the Department of Health will continue to provide the necessary assistance in order to further the advocacy for rare diseases as it is an integral part of the overall objective of the universal healthcare to provide health services to all Filipinos.” 

Dr. Mary Ann Abacan, a clinical geneticist – metabolic specialist and one of the advisers of VYLHPhilippines, went on to discuss the basics of rare diseases. She stated that rare diseases are also called orphan disorders because they have been neglected, especially in terms of treatment, for many years. At the same time, rare disease patients suffer from social abandonment because of the lack of an existing network of support to aid them. She reiterated that treatment is available for some of the rare diseases and that everyone can take their part in advocating for public awareness. 

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla, main proponent of the Rare Disease Act of the Philippines, discussed the existing landscape of rare diseases locally and internationally. She underscored that even with the enactment of the law, big challenges are still being faced due to the huge cost of individual care and the lack of a national program and sustainable funding. The full implementation of the law as well as the inclusion of rare disease in the Universal Health Care Law are of utmost importance in providing the needs of these patients. 

Dr. Ann Ysabelle-Andres of DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau laid out the DOH’s initiative to develop a national strategic plan on integrated rare diseases management for the period 2022-2027. This includes identification, referral, management, registration, and resource generation thereby ensuring that these patients are guaranteed equitable access to quality health care goods and services. 

The event was also graced by Mr. Rizalino Sanchez of the National Council on Disability Affairs and two parents who shared their experiences in caring for their child with a rare disease. The webinar was closed by Mrs. Cynthia Magdaraog, President of the Philippines Society for Orphan Disorders, who expressed her hope for progress with the strong partnership and renewed commitment of the government and the academe.#

Published in the UP Manila Newsletter HealthScape
Special COVID-19 Issue No. 24 (February 2021)
Published by the UP Manila - Information, Publication, and
Public Affairs Office (IPPAO)

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Resilience in the time of pandemic: The experiences of NBS implementers

Newborn screening is an essential preventive public health program for the early detection of congenital disorders in newborns that may lead to mental retardation or even death if left untreated. It is performed shortly after 24 hours of the birth of the baby in hospitals, lying-ins, rural health units, health centers, and private clinics.

If screened positive in one of the disorders, the baby undergoes a confirmatory test and is subsequently followed up for management. Administration of the necessary treatment and management is the reason why newborns need to be screened immediately. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic is a huge challenge in the provisions of newborn screening services. The lockdowns in many areas of the country, suspension of transportation services including air travels, non-operation of major couriers, and closure of borders in some provinces have posed challenges to the newborn screening program. Program implementers were faced with delays in the transmittal of newborn screening samples, significant decrease in the newborn screening sample receipt, overwhelming number of late samples, delay or cancellation of confirmatory testing, and suspended follow up visits of patients. Managing the operations at different levels was and continues to be a tough task.

To weather the storm, newborn screening program leaders quickly stepped up to respond and coordinated mitigation plans effectively and efficiently. Throughout the pandemic, all newborn screening centers (NSCs), regional newborn screening teams at the Department of Health - Centers for Health Development (CHDs), newborn screening continuity clinics (NBSCCs), and newborn screening facilities (NSFs) in the country remained operational and employed various strategies while observing standard protocols in continuously giving quality newborn screening services.

The recently concluded newborn screening virtual convention featured the best practices of some program implementers during the crisis. The Newborn Screening Reference Center keeps several stories of innovations - from the Newborn Screening Bayanihan Strategy in Northern Luzon, the active social media campaigns of Central Luzon, release of certifications for checkpoints in Southern Luzon, and extension of credit line in the Visayas, among others.

Newborn Screening Center - Mindanao

The NSC Mindanao and the CHD teams organized a system to help bridge the gaps and establish alternative plans to keep the program afloat in Mindanao.

The CHD Zamboanga formed a special task force on newborn screening. It also coordinated with the Office of City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for the weekly transport of samples to the NSC. The Edwin Andrews Air Base and the Philippine Airforce Western Command made possible the airlifting of samples, medical milk supplies, and pertinent documents to and from Region 9 via military aircrafts.

Meanwhile, the CHD Northern Mindanao, together with city health offices and selected facilities, served as drop-off and pickup locations within the region. With lockdown protocols in place, the CHD and NSC Mindanao teams met at the border checkpoints of Davao City to turn over specimens and documents once a week. In three months’ time, Region 10 was able to deliver a total of 12,417 samples.

In Davao, many health facilities within Davao City hand carried samples to the NSC. The CHD 11 NBS team assisted these facilities using its service vehicles. A temporary delivery system was also established through the assistance of the different provincial DOH Offices. The Sta Rita Maternity Clinic, Isaac Robillo Memorial Hospital, Dr Lorenzo Principe Clinic and Malita District Hospital also volunteered as drop-off facilities.

Since vehicles were not allowed to enter Davao City, the NSC Mindanao requested the Viacrucis Medical Hospital to serve as drop-off points for Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital's samples. The assigned staff from both facilities met at the border of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato Province.

DOH vehicles and provincial ambulances were used to enter the border from the south. Along with provincial hospitals in Sultan Kudarat, and North and South Cotabato, they formed the backbone of the ENBS task force in the SOCCKSARGEN region.

The DOH CHD Caraga used the provincial DOH offices as drop-off and pickup locations. The NBS team of CHD Caraga and NSC Mindanao met at the northern border checkpoints of Davao City once a week.

The Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were serviced by the CHD 9 and 12, respectively. The DOH-CHD 9 also transported samples of health facilities from Basilan and Tawi-tawi provinces. With the help of the Integrated Provincial Health Office Sulu, samples from Sulu were transported directly to Davao City courtesy of the Philippine Airforce Tactical Squadron Operations of Jolo, Sulu.

DOH Center for Health Development - Bicol

A series of consultations was held with several stakeholders, i.e. provincial health offices, city coordinators, health facilities, external partners, COVID team, and other internal stakeholders to discuss strategies to ensure the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for the ENBS.

The CHD 5 immediately transitioned from conventional in-person activities to online orientations, meetings, trainings, advocacy activities, webinars, and other forms of technical assistance.

On the logistics side, the CHD 5 created and operationalized the timely receipt and sending of ENBS and confirmatory samples from health facilities to the NSC National Institutes of Health in Quezon City. It facilitated the delivery of kits from the NSC to the health facilities, and the delivery of essential medical supplies, foods, supplements to patients, among others.

Pira Hospital Cabugao, llocos Sur

Difficulties emerged regarding the transport of specimens and obtaining of filter kits on time from the NSC Northern Luzon in Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Batac, llocos Norte, which is situated in another province.

Bless Macugay, chief medical technologist of Pira Hospital, goes to the border and hands over properly sealed specimens to the one manning the border from NSC. In turn, that personnel bring the specimens for testing at the NSC.

The Pira Hospital also used the acronym COVID to characterize the goals of the program - C for communication, O for obedience, V for vigilance, I for innovation and creativity, and D for diligence in performing timely screening.

Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic - Cebu

The Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic (NBSCC) is an ambulatory clinic based in a tertiary hospital identified by the DOH to be part of the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening System Treatment Network. One of the NBSCCs is located in Cebu, hosted by the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) serving 497 patients including those in Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor, and the entire Cebu Province.

Faced with challenges during the COVID pandemic, such as difficulty in recall of patients; non- compliance with follow up, treatment, and laboratory monitoring; travel restrictions; and low supply of medicines and medical food, the NBSCC in Cebu immediately transitioned to telemedicine and activated networks of referral in the region for patient monitoring. It currently uses text messaging, phone calls, and video calls through different online applications for remote patient monitoring and clinical validation together with sub-specialists (pediatric endocrinologists and metabolic specialists), and dietitian-­nutritionists. It also refers patients to the DOH-CHD, RHUs, or satellite clinics in some provinces either for follow ups or home visits.

Supply and logistics for medicines and medical food for patients were coordinated with the Institute of Human Genetics (IHG)- UP Manila, DOH-CHD 7, Office of the Civil Defense, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Air Force.

There are valuable lessons emerging from the current crisis. It has been proven time and again that collaborations among program partners, supporters, and those who lend their hand especially during the time of crisis can make a positive difference. COVID-1 9 is a threat but, at the same time, an opportunity for having efficient and effective continuity plans and creative strategies that allowed the newborn screening implementers to continue fulfilling their essential roles in ensuring the health and well-being of the most vulnerable in the populace - the newborns.#

First published on Philippine Star, October 18, 2020

MEDIA RELEASE

Newborn Screening Reference Center @newbornscreenph

National Institutes of Health - UP Manila

https://newbornscreening.ph

info@newbornscreening.ph

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Navigating the path towards a successful ENBS amidst challenges

"The pandemic has disrupted our usual protocols and systems, but the poorest and most vulnerable feel the inequalities more so than others. These are mothers who have no access to quality healthcare; babies who are born in less desirable environments:' said Vice-President Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo in her keynote address during the opening of the first ever virtual National Newborn Screening Convention on October 14.

Robredo cited data from UNICEF stating that an estimated 116 million babies will be born under the shadow of the pandemic and this should not stop the new families from getting support and access to primary care.

She then challenged the participants to keep protocols and systems in place to protect not only mothers and their babies but also frontliners who are their primary caregivers; to continue expanding services that can cover indigent families; and to ensure that patients and their families are properly informed and supported when their test comes back positive. She believes that the tasks are daunting and encouraged everyone to continue to find ways to extend service and build together a better future for the next generation.

Held on October 14-15, 2020, the 18th National Newborn Screening Convention attracted over 6,000 registrants composed of health professionals, program implementers, partners, and advocates of the newborn screening program. 1his year's theme, "Navigating the Path Towards a Successful Expanded Newborn Screening Amidst Challenges" was inspired by the exemplary response of the program stakeholders to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two-day event was organized by the Newborn Screening Society of the Philippines (NSSPI) and the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila through the Newborn Screening Reference Center (NSRC).

This was the first time that the convention was held online since it started in 2001. Notwithstanding the COVID pandemic, NSSPI still aimed to provide education, technical updates, and share best practices on newborn screening operations. 1his year's convention was also in honor of the life and strong leadership of NSSPI President Dr. Ephraim Neal Orteza, who passed away last April 8 due to COVID-19. Orteza had served as president from 2015 until his death.

Overall Program Chair and NSRC Director Dr. Noel Juban welcomed the participants and presented the status of the program after the implementation of expansion in the number of disorders being screened from 6 to 29 [expanded newborn screening], its continuing challenges, and the efforts to address them. "With the present national and global situation related to the Covid-19 pandemic, we, [the] newborn screening advocates, have continued giving our services towards our goal of saving every Filipino child from mental retardation and death;' he said.

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Carmencita Padilla, one of the conveners of the newborn screening program in the Philippines, presented the strategic framework for the implementation of the Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) in the country, the strategies to be undertaken to attain the targets set in the framework, and the significant roles of the different program stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the plenary sessions featured the following topics: endocrinology, metabolic, hematology, genetic counseling, nutrition, and the resilience and solidarity of the various levels of newborn screening implementers as they responded to the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

In the plenary session on endocrinology, Dr. Lorna Abad, Chair of the UP-Philippine General Hospital Department of Pediatrics, presented the basic facts on Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH). She also differentiated between transient and permanent congenital hypothyroidism. Dr. Sylvia Estrada, Chair of the Newborn Screening Expert Committee on Endocrine Disorders, shared the prevalence and importance of early detection and treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). She also shared the hindrances in CAH care and current efforts to lessen these such as holding regional newborn screening clinics in collaboration with the Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology (PSPME).

With the metabolic medicine in focus, two clinical geneticists, Dr. Leniza de Castro-Hamoy and Dr. Mary Ann Abacan, presented Tyrosinemia Type I and Glutaric aciduria Type I, respectively. Both are autosomal recessive disorders of amino acid metabolism which result in primarily hepatic, but also renal, skeletal, and neurologic manifestations. They also talked about the importance of early detection, proper management to prevent life-long complications, and the need to continue advocating for patients with rare diseases to make sure that treatment and medications become more accessible to the patients.

Day 1 ended with a plenary session focusing on Hemoglobinopathies. Drs. Maria Beatriz Gepte and Reynaldo de Castro, both hematologists from the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC), correspondingly presented the prevalence in areas endemic to malaria of Alpha Thalassemia where the more severe forms are present, and the challenges of blood transfusion in Beta Thalassemia. Gepte highlighted the importance of physician, community education, and genetic counseling to prevent long term complications, development of more severe disease, and further perpetuation of alpha thalassemia in the population. De Castro on the other hand, emphasized significant health concerns as well as the economic impact of beta thalassemia.

Day 2 of the convention started with a plenary session that focused on the importance of evaluating and understanding a family's risk of an inherited medical condition through genetic counseling. Genetic counselors Dr. Ma-Am Joy Tumulak, Angela Pascua, and Peter James Abad emphasized the value of information and support to families affected by or at risk of a genetic disorder. Tumulak stressed the importance of a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and genetic counselors in the holistic management of the patients. She mentioned the role of genetic counselors in providing a unique opportunity for the family to receive continuous support, information, and continuity of care. Pascua cited that genetic counseling will help replace misconceptions about the causes of genetic diseases and promote psychological well­being and adaptation to the genetic condition or risk, specifically in hemoglobinopathies. Abad, on the other hand, focused on the crucial phase of disclosing the bad news and how primary care providers can best approach the relaying of information to families in a sensitive, respectful, and empathic manner.

The plenary session on nutrition featured practitioners of metabolic dietetics and developmental pediatrics. Aster Lynn Sur, dietician and metabolic nurse, discussed the history of metabolic dietetics and the critical role of dietitians in the management of patients with inborn error of metabolism (IEM). She mentioned the challenges faced by metabolic dietetics, including professional standards, development of outcome-based treatment guidelines and protocols, research and development, and local and international collaboration, among others. Jeanne Ruth Basas, metabolic dietician, tackled the challenge of IEM dietary management during the time of the pandemic. She specified difficulties in securing adherence to patients' nutritional management, transition from face to face consultation to telemedicine, and procurement of food and medicines for patients. Dr. Kaye Napalinga, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, discussed the techniques in improving the feeding experience of the child. She emphasized that feeding infants and young children not only ensures physical growth but shapes their emotional and social development.

In the last plenary session, four program implementers presented how they provided the newborn screening services amidst the challenges brought about by COVID-19. They shared what drove them to continue implementing newborn screening and how they responded to the challenge from collection to transmission, to testing and management of positive patients. It also featured how the DOH Center for Health Development responded to lessen the operational gap in the provision of newborn screening services in the region. Dr. Conchita Abarquez, Head of lhe Newborn Screening Center-Mindanao, Dr. Ma. Rita Anne Salve Boligao, Follow-up Head of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Continuity Clinic in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (Cebu), Dr. Monrey Isaiah Mancilla, Newborn Screening Program Manager of Bicol Center for Health Development, DOH, and Dr. Maria Alejandra Narcelles, NBS Coordinator of Pira General Hospital, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, shared how the significant disruption of the operations of newborn screening required each of them lo adapt lo adversity and maintain resiliency during the pandemic.

The National Newborn Screening Convention, held every year in October, convenes participants from different health professions to learn from local and international experts, program consultants, and program implementers. The theme constantly follows the theme of the Newborn Screening Awareness Week Celebration every first week of October in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 540 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal on January 20, 2004.

First published on Philippine Star, October 18, 2020

MEDIA RELEASE

Newborn Screening Reference Center @newbornscreenph
National Institutes of Health - UP Manila
https://newbornscreening.ph
info@newbornscreening.ph

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#HaLINCkana unites youth advocates for preconception health awareness

MANILA - Last August 29, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) – Philippines together with the Institute of Human Genetics, NIH-UP Manila, March of Dimes, Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) organized a webinar on preconception health which marked the culmination of the first youth-led Preconception Health Awareness Week. The webinar and week-long event held with the theme “Preconception Health para sa Malusog na Pangangatawan at Planadong Kinabukasan” aimed to increase public awareness on the importance of preconception health in attaining good health and well-being among women and men of reproductive age, as well as the importance of preconception care in the prevention of birth defects and premature births. 

Honorable speakers, namely, POPCOM Commissioner Dexter Galban, March of Dimes Vice President of Global Health Programs Dr. Salimah Walani, and UP Manila Chancellor and VYLH-Philippines National Program Adviser Dr. Carmencita Padilla, were invited to talk about the current teenage pregnancy and family planning situation in the Philippines, Preconception health and its global promotion, and Preconception health in the Philippines as a multi-sectoral challenge respectively. The webinar was moderated by VYLH-Philippines Vice President for NCR-South Luzon Ms. Jeanne Ruth Basas, RND.

Moreover, Dr. Mary Ann Abacan and Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho also graced the webinar by giving their messages to the participants. Dr. Abacan, VYLH-Philippines NCR & South Luzon Cluster Adviser, welcomed all the participants and mentioned that “[i]t can’t be denied that the voice of the youth is what matters because it is your voice that will drive the future”.  This was followed by Dr. Ho, Director on Health Promotion and Communication Service of the Department of Health, who greeted everyone and expressed her appreciation for the invitation to this webinar. Furthermore, Dr. Ho mentioned the importance of promoting health in realizing “Ambisyon 2040” or the Philippines’ blueprint in the next 20 years. By the end of 2040, it is hoped that the country will have a "very low poverty rate, and also the young will become successful, accomplished, healthy, and achieve their full potential."

Comm. Galban noted that, although the national fertility rate went down significantly from 4.1 to 2.1 pregnancies per women from 1993 to 2017, consolidated data of POPCOM also showed a 63% increase in the number of pregnancies of women ages 10-14 years old from 2011 to 2018. According to him, this sector is “more vulnerable to challenges because they are not aware of the difficulties, particularly of the part of being a mother or the ramifications of being pregnant early on” which sometimes means that they have to stop school or not going back to school at all. Furthermore, he tackled the different Philippine population management programs challenging the youth especially those who are involved in health engagement, health policies, and health programs to look and see how they can collaborate and work together along with POPCOM. Relevant to the current pandemic situation, he mentioned that among the programs, Adolescent Health and Development, particularly on the issue of mental health is given much attention as this certain group lost their typical support system which they usually get from schools, religious groups, communities, and the like has been disrupted. Comm. Galban then left a challenging yet inspiring statement saying “The youth are done waiting for the world to change and the world is now waiting for the youth to change it.”

Dr. Walani discussed preconception health which she defined as optimizing a woman’s health to promote a future healthy pregnancy regardless of pregnancy plans. She also emphasized the fact that a mother mostly intervenes once she knows that she is pregnant weeks or months later the child was actually conceived; realizing that this is actually too late since the development of most vital parts happened on its first few days and weeks. Dr. Walani also advised couples to communicate with their partners by saying “talk to your partner, talk about health, don’t shy away from the idea of planning for the pregnancy. Don’t shy away from the idea of being healthy.” 

Dr. Padilla stressed that preconception health involves not only the women in their reproductive age but also the men since it’s a partnership and a life-course approach that is not only limited during pregnancy. She gave the participants a challenge to reflect on: “Why is it despite the programs we have in the government, despite the programs we have at the local health center, why is it that we’re still getting women who get pregnant at the wrong time and they’re not ready for the pregnancy and of course their problems with the babies; adding, “Be responsible. Start with yourself”. Dr. Padilla also emphasized that people are still part of the solution to the problems related to preconception health since the government alone can’t do it. There may be laws and programs available yet these are not clear and “packaged” programs that emphasize the value of preconception health in the country. 

Furthermore, she presented three collaborative strategies for promoting preconception health in the country. First is the academic strategy which involves the training of Genetic Counselors. Next is engaging the Youth through VYLH-Philippines where she acknowledged the efforts of the youth network as one of her major arms in reaching out to the community outside the university. The third is community research and engagement which the Institute of Humana Genetics-NIH, UP Manila has spearheaded. She also commended the Community Youth Project conducted by volunteer youth leaders and their partners which has received funding from a national grant competition.

In the said webinar, majority of the participants (56%) came from the age of 15-20 years old, followed by the 21-25 years old (30%), 26-30 years old (6%), and the remaining were from ages 31-35 and 35-up (6%). Majority of these participants also came from different partner organizations through #YouthForPH.

These demographics show that different age groups, especially the youth, are interested in learning about preconception health. The challenge now is on how to jumpstart and keep the momentum rolling in our advocacy for Preconception Health given the current pandemic. This is where we believe the youth can intervene, especially the social and technological savvy ones, in making the advocacy for Preconception Health digital and far reaching.#

Words by Shane Paul Baula, RN
Edited by Jasper Jover and RPascual

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#FolicacidPH 2020 focuses on folic acid and the health of our future generation

PAMPANGA - Once again, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines, together with more than 40 organizations who accepted the challenge to become partners in the campaign, utilized its youth force last July 18, 2020 in the promotion of the significance of folic acid supplementation to the health of everyone, especially those who are planning to conceive.

The National Social media Day for Folic acid Awareness, also known as #FolicacidPH, was conceptualized by VYLH-Philippines Pioneer and Former National President Ryan John Pascual in 2016. Since then, the event is annually held in conjunction with the observance of the Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. This year, the non-profit health promotion activity was coordinated by VYLH-Philippines North and Central Luzon Cluster. 

About the theme

Our future generation deserves the best start in life. An insufficient amount of folic acid in the body of a woman before and during each pregnancy can mean the difference between a normal life for the baby and a life challenged by congenital anomalies or one cut short by untimely death. Thus, taking folic acid supplements can be the first best gift we can give to our future kids.

On its 5th year, the theme of the social media campaign, “Folic acid supplementation: Key to better health of our future generation” emphasizes the importance of taking folic acid before and during each pregnancy, as well as its role in ensuring the health of our next generation. Knowing this, the vitamin can contribute largely to the quality of their lives and their future contributions to the society at large.

Folic acid is a key component in preventing some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine, collectively known as neural tube defects (NTD). Studies shows that the intake of folic acid through supplementation and food fortification can significantly reduce the risk of NTDs. In case of supplementation, proper dosage and intake schedule can lessen the risk of NTDs by up to 70% [1].

Folic acid is very important for the health of babies during conception. However, this doesn’t mean that only pregnant women and those that are in the reproductive age need folic acid. Everyone needs folic acid. Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9 or folate, is used by our bodies to make new cells. Since it is water-soluble, it is excreted regularly from the body and it should be replenished everyday.

According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, 1 in every 5 Pinays of childbearing age is folate deficient [2]. This may be associated to the low awareness on the significance of Vitamin B9 among Filipino women belonging in the reproductive age and the absence of a legislation on Folic acid fortification, supplementation and public education. With these in mind, VYLH-Philippines conducts awareness campaigns such as #folicacidPH and engages its campaign partners to reach more people and inform them of the impact of folic acid for them as an individual, their families and for the whole community.

#folicacidPH 2020

Modifications were made for this year’s campaign were made to adapt to the present situation brought about by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This health crisis posed a great challenge to the campaign but the members of VYLH-Philippines made sure that, despite the hurdles they faced, the goal of increasing public awareness about the importance of Folic acid supplementation was met.

Because everyone’s safety is of highest priority, “on-the-ground” and group activities, that were conducted during the previous years by the members of VYLH-Philippines and its partners, were discouraged. Hence, #folicacidPH 2020 was composed purely of online activities. 

The campaign focused on sharing posts about folic acid and its benefits to everyone’s health. The official profile photo frame and profile banner for #folicacidPH 2020 were also launched during the campaign’s kickoff at the start of the month of July. Partner organizations were also encouraged to craft their own infographics and conduct online discussions about the campaign.

A statement chain was shared through social media where advocates stated the reason why they support #folicacidPH and a bingo card with pictures of different foods tickled the minds of the advocates as they identify which of those are good sources of folate.

To take advantage of the popularity of TikTok among the youth, VYLH-Philippines also launched #FASayaw, a dance challenge for Folic acid awareness. #folicacidPH also took the Twitter-verse by storm as facts about Folic acid were tweeted and retweeted by the advocates during the Tweet Barrage. Another Tiktok challenge that was done by VYLH-Philippines volunteers for the 11th Founding Anniversary of the network and national social media day was the "e-numan" challenge wherein volunteers took the vitamin in the tune of Oops by Little Mix.  

To cap off the campaign, over 300 advocates attended the Folic acid Webinar hosted by the VYLH-Philippines conducted on July 19, 2020 (6:00 P.M. Manila Time) via WebinarJam. The webinar featured three lectures. Ms. Jeanne Ruth Basas, RND, Nutritionist-Dietitian of the UP NIH-Institute of Human Genetics, discussed about folic acid in the diet. Dr. Mary Ann Abacan, Geneticist-Metabolic Specialist in UP-Philippine General Hospital and VYLH-Philippines NCR-South Luzon Cluster Adviser, gave updates about folic acid while UP Manila Chancellor and VYLH-Philippines Founding Adviser Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla explained the importance of having a comprehensive legislation for folic acid fortification and supplementation. The presentations were followed by an open forum facilitated by the webinar moderator, VYLH-Philippines National President Rufus Thomas Adducul.#

_______________
[1] Blencowe et al.2010
[2] DOST CALABARZON

Words by Nikki Dela Cruz, RN (Kabilin, Pampanga)
Edited by RPascual/Trisha Guioguio

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LAB1NG 1SA: VYLH-Philippines celebrates its 11th Founding Anniversary

"BANYUHAY: VYLH-Philippines' Metamorphosis to the New Normal." 

Around this theme, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) celebrated its 11th Founding Anniversary amidst the pandemic. 

Since on-the-ground advocacy works are yet to be encouraged, VYLH-Philippines deliberately thought of activities that would mobilize its members through the different social media platforms. This year, to continuously showcase the volunteers' creative juices in the "new normal",  social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were used to increase public awareness on the network's advocacy.

Having said that, an 11-day online festivity from July 8 to 18, 2020, was conceptualized in celebration of the network's advocacy and the more than a decade work of volunteer youth leaders throughout the country in promoting the network's four advocacies: newborn screening, folic acid supplementation, rare disorder support, and the latest addition, preconception health. 

This year's roster of activities is a fusion of traditional VYLH-Philippines activities and several social media trends, such as TikTok.

On its culminating day, VYLH-Philippines had its annual online "Kamustahan" get-together dinner via Zoom, which was well-attended by its members. It was a blissful night as everyone got to enjoy the short program and participate with the online games. The highlight of the night was the premiere of the the VYLH's song "Be One, VY." The song, composed by Ms. Beau Tinio (Hiraya) of Bohol, was first played during the network's 4th National Leadership Congress.

Video by June Abellar (Hayaw, Negros Occidental) 

Despite the situation we are facing, everyone enjoyed celebrating the success of the network. Another highlight on that night was the message given by the network's founding adviser, Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, or Tita Menchit, as what we volunteers are used to calling her. It only goes to show that the pandemic can't stop the volunteers from performing what they love doing even in this very challenging time when most activities are interdicted.

Additionally, in observance of this year's Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines, together with the Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health-UP Manila, organized the 5th #FolicacidPH National Social media Day for Folic acid Awareness. The event spearheaded by VYLH-Philippines North and Central Luzon Cluster and supported by Newborn Screening Central Luzon and partner youth organizations, was held under the theme, "Folic Acid Supplementation: Key to Better Health of our Future Generation". Various social media activities and a webinar on folic acid were also organized by the network in support of the observance of the social media day. 

For this year's anniversary, the VYLH-Philippines Mindanao Cluster was tasked to spearhead the activities and be the overall-in-charge of the celebration. The Newborn Screening Center - Mindanao, through the generosity of the Unit Head and VYLH-Philippines Mindanao Cluster Adviser, Dr. Conchita Abarquez, or "Tita Conch," sponsored tumblers. The tumblers were sent out to the active members, especially those who have completed the 11-day challenge.#

Words by Shane Paul Baula, RN (K4, Davao City), VP Mindanao

Edited by: RPascual, Trisha Guioguio

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#YouthForHealth: VYLs speak on COVID19 and the Youth

MANILA – With almost six months of quarantine restrictions in the country, the Philippines continues its fight against the pandemic caused by a novel virus described in December 2019. SARS-COV2, then known as the novel Coronavirus 2019, was determined as the causative agent of a new type of infectious respiratory syndrome, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19. 

Based on the latest statistics released by the Department of Health on August 25, there are 197, 164 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country while more than 3,000 deaths have been recorded [1]. Metro Manila which has been subjected to varying levels of quarantine accounts to more than half of the total cases in the country. CALABARZON, Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and Western Visayas are the other regions in the country with high number of confirmed cases. Early this month, health workers have requested the government to tighten restrictions in NCR to provide a breather of the congested health system and provide a reprieve for our frontliners due to the continuous influx of COVID-19 cases [2]. 

DOH COVID19 Tracker. (Accessed 25 August 2020)

In this edition of #YouthForHealth, Volunteer Youth Leaders (VYLs) have shared their experiences, insights on the role of the youth, and recommendations in protecting ourselves and our families during this pandemic. 

On the challenges they experienced due to the pandemic

On the COVID-19 prevention strategies that they have done

On what VYLs recommend on how we can protect ourselves

On the role of the youth during this pandemic

A Change in Behavior

Various government and non-government organizations are promoting a “healthier” change in behavior for Filipinos as a response to the pandemic. Two of the campaigns focusing on COVID-19 prevention that are found in social media are “BIDA Solusyon” and “Bagong Gawi”.  

The Department of Health together with other government agencies is currently leading the campaign “BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19.” The campaign is envisioned as a “strong and cohesive information campaign” which will encourage the Filipino people to take an active role in the fight against the “COntraVIDa’ that is COVID-19. Four behaviors are promoted by the campaign which are simplified in the BIDA acronym – namely B for “Bawal ang walang mask” (masks are necessary); I for “I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay (clean your hands for 20 seconds)”; D for “Dumistansiya ng isang metro (keep your distance at 1 meter)” ; and A for “Alamin ang totoong impormasyon (know factual information).” The multi-media campaign implemented by the Health Department also featured celebrity-endorser and “BIDA Champion” Alden Richards as its ambassador. On the other hand, the BIDA Solusyon Facebook page is currently supported by more than 19,000 followers. 

In Facebook, another campaign that is supported by a growing number of organizations is “Bagong Gawi” (New Habits). According to its Facebook Page, Bagong gawi aims to guide Filipinos on the journey of learning the basics and instill habits needed to lead safe and healthy lives in the midst of the pandemic [4]. Since its launch in July, the campaign has already produced online guides covering various topics of “new normal” life that were published in English, Filipino, Ilocano, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon. Among the topics that were covered in the campaign include proper handwashing, use and disposal of face masks, habits outside the home and at the workplace. One of the recent posts of the campaign emphasized that COVID-19 is not the only infectious disease that a person can contract during this pandemic. Several basic precautions such as proper handwashing, vaccination, proper food handling, maintaining the cleanliness of our surroundings, and habits during essential travel were recommended [5].  

For VYLH-Philippines, practices that are related to infection prevention are included in the four strategies in achieving preconception health. The strategies that are promoted by the network are popularized as “L.I.N.C” which stands for “Healthy Lifestyle, Infection Prevention, Good Nutrition, and Contraception and Planning the Family.” 

Basically, preconception health is the health of women and men during their reproductive years. Preconception health focuses on taking healthy steps prior to pregnancy in order to protect the health of the baby that they may have in the future. Thus, aside from reducing the risk of adverse birth outcomes such as birth defects and preterm birth, preconception health can also improve the health status of women and men at any stage of their life, regardless of their plan to become parents. 

This August, VYLH-Philippines highlights preconception health as its most recent core advocacy through the first #PH4PH Preconception Health Awareness Week. In addition to promoting the concepts under preconception health, the #YouthForPH, a network of organizations coordinated by VYLH-Philippines that are united in the promotion of preconception health, is also being formed [6]. Despite the current pandemic situation, one of the main considerations for the network on pursuing the launch of the campaign is the need for increasing health awareness and instilling health seeking behavior among Filipinos, particularly the Filipino youth.#

For updates on the first Preconception Health Awareness Week, follow @YouthForPH in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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[1] DOH COVID19 Tracker. https://www.doh.gov.ph/covid19tracker Accessed 25 August 2020 

[2] PRRD heeds front-liners’ call; reverts NCR, other areas to MECQ https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110889

[3] DOH BIDA Solusyon sa COVID19. https://www.doh.gov.ph/bidasolusyon

[4] Vision and Mission of Bagong Gawi. https://facebook.com/bagonggawiph/posts/116390803450089

[5] Protection against other Communicable Diseases. https://facebook.com/bagonggawiph/posts/137727654649737

[6] VYLH-Philippines #PH4PH Preconception Health Awareness Campaign Guide. https://sites.google.com/site/vylhphilippines/our-activities/social-media-campaigns/ph4ph

Compiled by RPascual (Pioneer - Cavite)

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