By Francis Allan L. Angelo
Malnutrition continues to impose a staggering economic and human toll on the Philippines, with annual losses reaching PHP 650 billion due to stunting, low birthweight, and anemia, according to a report released by Nutrition International.
The report, titled “Cost of Inaction Tool,” underscores the urgent need for increased investments in nutrition interventions.
It reveals that stunting alone accounts for PHP 450 billion in losses annually, followed by PHP 184 billion from low birthweight and PHP 22.7 billion from anemia.
Collectively, these figures represent 1.9% of the country’s Gross National Income (GNI), showcasing the profound impact of undernutrition on economic productivity and human development.
Stunting: Persistent and Damaging
Stunting, a condition caused by chronic malnutrition, affects nearly 3.5 million Filipino children under the age of five, with 689,357 new cases recorded annually.
Despite a slight reduction in stunting prevalence from 31.9% in 2012 to 28.8% in 2020, the Philippines still ranks sixth highest in stunting rates among East Asia and Pacific nations.
This condition carries long-term consequences. Stunted children lose an average of 10.8 IQ points and 1.5 school years, significantly reducing their earning potential and future productivity.
The report also attributes approximately 16,000 child deaths annually to stunting-related complications, emphasizing its devastating human cost.
Low Birthweight: A Looming Crisis
The Philippines also bears the region’s highest prevalence of low birthweight, with 21.1% of newborns, or approximately 531,865 babies annually, weighing less than 2,500 grams at birth.
This condition results in developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Low birthweight contributes to 8,500 infant deaths each year and costs the Philippines PHP 184 billion annually.
Despite being preventable, its prevalence has remained unchanged for over a decade, pointing to gaps in maternal nutrition and healthcare.
Anemia: An Overlooked Burden
Anemia, characterized by insufficient levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin, affects 13.5% of children aged 6–59 months and 12.3% of women aged 15–49 years in the Philippines.
While its prevalence has decreased since 2012, anemia continues to cause cognitive impairments, poor academic performance, and increased maternal mortality.
The report estimates the economic cost of anemia at PHP 22.7 billion annually. Addressing its root causes, including iron deficiency, is critical to improving health outcomes among women and children.
Economic Impact and Missed Opportunities
Malnutrition extends beyond direct health costs, with substantial implications for the workforce. Reduced cognitive abilities and lower educational attainment translate to diminished productivity, further entrenching poverty cycles.
The report notes that addressing malnutrition could unlock significant economic benefits, including increased productivity and improved human capital.
Globally, malnutrition costs Asia an estimated $346 billion annually, or 1% of the region’s GNI.
The Philippines mirrors this regional trend, with its economic losses disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
Off Track for Global Nutrition Targets
The Philippines remains off course to meet the World Health Assembly (WHA) nutrition targets by 2025.
These targets aim to reduce stunting by 40%, low birthweight by 30%, and anemia in women by 50% compared to 2012 levels.
Despite some progress, the report highlights that the pace of improvement is insufficient to meet these global benchmarks.
For instance, reducing stunting prevalence to 19.1% would require preventing over 200,000 cases annually, translating to economic savings of PHP 132 billion.
Proven Solutions and Calls to Action
The report emphasizes that malnutrition is preventable through strategic investments in cost-effective interventions.
These include promoting exclusive breastfeeding, micronutrient supplementation, food fortification, and nutrition education.
Such initiatives are particularly critical during the first 1,000 days of life, a window identified as pivotal for ensuring optimal growth and development.
To combat malnutrition effectively, the report calls for multi-sectoral action:
- Policy Reform and Budget Allocations
Policymakers must prioritize nutrition in national budgets and strengthen governance frameworks for implementing programs. - Targeted Interventions
Expanding access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas, is crucial to addressing disparities in nutrition. - Public Awareness Campaigns
Promoting behavior change through education on proper nutrition practices is essential for sustainable outcomes. - Data-Driven Decision Making
Tools like the “Cost of Inaction” enable stakeholders to evaluate the economic benefits of targeted interventions and track progress toward WHA targets.
A Path Forward
Nutrition International underscored the importance of integrating nutrition interventions into broader development agendas.
Enhanced collaboration between government, donors, and civil society organizations is key to sustaining progress.
Additionally, empowering women and girls through education and resources can create a ripple effect in improving household nutrition outcomes.
The report concludes that the cost of inaction is far greater than the investment required to address malnutrition.
By prioritizing nutrition, the Philippines can break the cycle of poverty, enhance human capital, and secure a healthier, more prosperous future for its people.
Nutrition International is a global leader in addressing malnutrition, delivering high-impact, low-cost interventions to vulnerable populations.
Through partnerships with governments and organizations, it aims to create sustainable solutions for improving health outcomes worldwide.