On July 18, 2019, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines together with 70 partner organizations will unite for #folicacidPH and use its youth force in promoting the importance of folic acid supplementation. Launched in 2016, the event dubbed as the "National Social media Day for Folic acid Awareness" is annually held in line with the observance of Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.
Why promote folic acid?
Everyone needs folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin, specifically Vitamin B9. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Folic acid is also very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine which are collectively known as neural tube defects.
In the Philippines, awareness on the significance of folic acid supplementation among Filipino women in reproductive age is presumed to be low, as folate deficiency has been determined to exist. 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. Hence, there is a need for increasing public awareness on this matter, especially in the absence of a legislation on folic acid fortification, supplementation and public education.
What are Neural Tube Defects?
Neural tube defects (NTDs) comprise one of the most common group of serious birth defects and these may result in immediate infant death, deformity, or disability. Examples of this kind of birth defects include anencephaly or severe underdevelopment of the brain; encephalocele or protrusion of brain tissue from an abnormal opening in the skull; and spina bifida or the incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column.
Studies have shown that the intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 through supplementation and food fortification can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems on the development of the baby’s brain and spine. In case of supplementation, proper dosage and intake schedule can lessen the risk of NTDs by up to 70%.
What to expect in #folicacidPH?
Although there are efforts directed towards increasing awareness, knowledge and consumption of folic acid, the full potential of folic acid to reduce the risk of NTDs has not yet realized in the Philippines.
In order to promote public awareness, #folicacidPH will utilize Facebook and Twitter as its major online platforms. This year, the campaign will also launch a second hashtag #B9before9. The second hashtag emphasizes the need for the proper dosage and intake of folic acid months before conception. It is known that the neural tube forms in the first few weeks of pregnancy and this occurs weeks before a woman recognizes that she is pregnant. Hence, women in the reproductive age, especially those planning a pregnancy, should include folic acid in their supplements.
A Facebook Live Webinar on July 18 (7:00 PM Manila Time) will also be hosted by VYLH-Philippines together with the Philippine Pediatric Society - Section of Genetics, Newborn Screening Reference Center, Institute of Human Genetics - National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila and March of Dimes. In the online forum, UP Manila Chancellor and VYLH-Philippines National Program Adviser Dr. Carmencita Padilla will discuss the importance of folic acid for better health and improving birth outcomes. This will be followed by an open forum with Dr. Mary Ann Abacan and moderator Arvin Orajay, RND.
A Facebook Live Webinar on July 18 (7:00 PM Manila Time) will also be hosted by VYLH-Philippines together with the Philippine Pediatric Society - Section of Genetics, Newborn Screening Reference Center, Institute of Human Genetics - National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila and March of Dimes. In the online forum, UP Manila Chancellor and VYLH-Philippines National Program Adviser Dr. Carmencita Padilla will discuss the importance of folic acid for better health and improving birth outcomes. This will be followed by an open forum with Dr. Mary Ann Abacan and moderator Arvin Orajay, RND.
Suggested tweets, status messages and infographics will also be provided by the youth network. Aside from the social media component, partner organizations are encouraged to bring the campaign “on the ground” as part of their activities in their schools and communities. #
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For questions or clarifications to the campaign, kindly send an email to folicacidph@gmail.com or a direct message to the folicacidPH Facebook Page (facebook.com/folicacidph)
