“Nagpapasalamat ako sa newborn screening dahil nakita agad ang kalagayan ng mga bata maaga pa lang,” shared a parent of patients with Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) during the Reunion of Saved Babies conducted by the Department of Health–National Capital Regional Offi ce (DOH-NCRO) at Greenhills Elan Hotel Modern, San Juan City, on July 27, 2018.
In collaboration with the Newborn Screening Center–National Institutes of Health (NSC-NIH), the event gathered together children aged 3 to 5 years accompanied by their parents and guardians along with program partners and stakeholders. Dr. Anna Lea G. Elizaga, Unit Head of NSC-NIH, gave a short talk on Expanded Newborn Screening (ENBS) to help the parents understand more about the additional disorders included in the panel and the benefits of early screening. Meanwhile, Mikko Myron De Guzman, Follow-Up Nurse at the Philippine General Hospital Continuity Clinic, discussed the importance of longterm follow-up care.
The video of the 20th year of Newborn Screening Program was also presented, which featured testimonials from families and children saved through newborn screening. Parents and guardians were also able to express their gratitude to the program implementers and other families present.
Children, on the otherhand, were treated to a magic show and face painting activities. Some members of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH)-Philippines also led several games.#
Written by Ms. Claire Alincastre (DOH-NCR Regional Office)
Originally published in Newborn Screening Vol. 22 No. 4
