Did you know that today is World Health Day?
World Health Day is celebrated globally every year on April 7 to bring awareness to public health issues. In celebration of World Health day this year, Safeguard launches Heath Watch. It a series of lecture aimed to equip Filipino moms with the information and the skills that they need to continue to keep their family healthy.for
In the first Safeguard Health Watch lecture yesterday among mommy bloggers, UNICEF shared figures about the state of Filipino Children’s Health.
Health Watch: World Health Day
Here are some of the figures and health concerns discussed during the first ever Safeguard Health Watch:
Global Health Report
Globally, nearly half of child deaths are attributed to malnutrition*. It is also same here in the Philippines. In 2015, UNICEF studies show that 45% of child deaths are attributable to malnutrition, i.e, 95 deaths per day.
The second largest cause of death globally is Diarrhea where as 1,600 children dies every day.
Top Threats Diseases Among Filipino Children
In the 2015 countdown report*, the top 3 child mortality causes are:
- Neonatal conditions- 45%
- Pneumonia- 18%
- Injuries- 8%
- Diarrhea- 7%
In the same report, the 42 countries where 90% of child deaths occur, the leading causes of death are:
- Neonatal conditions- 33%
- Diarrhea- 33%
- Pneumonia- 21%
Mom’s watch
As a mom, are you aware of the simplest and most cost- effective solutions for some of the most critical diseases?
In Newborn Deaths, the most effective preventive measure is breastfeeding? Reports show a decrease on newborn deaths since the government implemented the Unang Yakap campaign. It is a newborn care practices that consist of 4 core steps:
- Immediate and thorough drying of the newborn
- Early skin to skin contact
- Properly time cord clamping
- Early initiation of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding remains a key to prevent deaths from Pneumonia and Diarrhea. Safe water, sanitation and proper hygiene is also critical in preventing both illnesses.
Water, Sanitation and Health Program
Procter & Gamble, through Safeguard, partners with UNICEF to address this problem by implementing its Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Program, which includes health and hygiene education among children.
Safeguard also recognizes the importance of health in the context of everyday activities at home. In celebration of World Health Day, Safeguard highlights the role of proper hygiene in keeping families healthy.
Mommies present during the event were taught about First Aid basics, including proper wound care, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
What Moms Should Know About Proper Wound Care
- Washing of wound for 5 minutes with soap has been beneficial in reducing infections among children
- First aiders should also wash their hands with soap before giving treatment.
It is really important, specially for mommies like us to learn about proper care and health studies and reports like this one. It gives us the edge in protecting our family and keeping them healthy. And when it comes to family germ protection, Safeguard is my partner.
*Sources: World Health Organization and Maternal and Child Epidemiology Estimation
Annemarie LeBlanc says
May 31, 2016 at 11:24 pmIt is sad that there is still a high rate of infant mortality. If I may add to your list, I think pre-natal care is also essential in ensuring the health and well being of both mother and baby.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
June 1, 2016 at 2:05 amThanks so much for this post. It’s so important to take care of your health, but it’s often the thing we overlook the most!
Cyn says
June 1, 2016 at 3:18 amOh, that prenatal death rate is so sad! That is such a high percentage. =(
ricci says
June 1, 2016 at 8:42 amHand washing is so important! I don’t think people realize how important it is in stopping the spreading of germs!!
Vera Sweeney says
June 1, 2016 at 10:39 amIt is amazing how much proper hand washing makes a difference in our lives. This is all great advice!
Tatanisha Pitts-Worthey says
June 1, 2016 at 2:47 pmThis is important to educate the public on proper hand washing. A simple act but very vital thing to do in keeping ourselves healthy and keep harmful bacteria away.
OurFamilyWorld says
June 1, 2016 at 3:20 pmThose numbers are still alarming. These are great advice. Hand washing can really make a difference.
Kristen Dann says
June 1, 2016 at 8:14 pmI had no idea that the second largest cause of death globally is Diarrhea. That statistic really shocked me!
Kathy says
June 1, 2016 at 8:51 pmThis is such a wonderful post! I think it’s so important for everyone to stay healthy. I make sure my girls are always being careful and keeping their health good. Washing their hands is one of the things I always have them do.
Ashley says
June 1, 2016 at 10:17 pmThese are such great, simple tips that really can help so much. Those rates are so high and so sad!
Kendall says
June 1, 2016 at 11:28 pmWashing your hands with soap before giving treatment is so important no matter where in the world you live! Such a key factor in giving first aid
Jennifer S says
June 1, 2016 at 11:29 pmTHIS >> wash their hands with soap before giving treatment. << is SO important, no matter what part of the world you reside in! And cleaning a wound properly is even more important!
Emma Spellman says
June 1, 2016 at 11:29 pmWow that number is crazy high. I buy fun soap so it makes my kids want to wash their hands.
Claudia Krusch says
June 1, 2016 at 11:43 pmThanks for this post! It’s so important to take care of your health! Will share it with friends!
Laura Funk says
June 2, 2016 at 1:57 amThose statistics are saddening. Thank you for the fantastic advice. I use an antiseptic wash for my kids wounds, but the washing for 5 minutes is good to know.
Ann Bacciaglia says
June 2, 2016 at 3:49 amI remember when i was in school we had a nurse come in and give us lotion to put on our hands. Then we were told to go wash them and when we were done she shined a blue light on your hands and you could see where the lotion was not washed off. It was a great way to learn how to properly wash your hands.
Christy Garrett says
June 2, 2016 at 4:28 amThis is such an important topic. I was able to breastfeed my son about 45 minutes after I had my csection. I was kinda worried bc we didn’t have the skin to skin contact.
Shaney Vijendranath (youbabyandi) says
June 2, 2016 at 7:37 amGreat post with such valuable information. I think we all can take tips from it even with the little things like washing your hands properly after using the loo.
parpar de real says
June 2, 2016 at 3:47 pmsuch a great post, the most important is to take our health. Glad you share this
The Cubicle Chick says
June 2, 2016 at 9:41 pmThanks for sharing these health facts. I’m always amazed at the healing and good health factors that breastfeeding gives babies not to mention mom and baby are able to bond during this time. Thanks for sharing. – Yolo
Debra P says
June 3, 2016 at 11:25 amIt makes me so sad that some children don’t have sanitation, clean water and good health care. I hope that positive changes continue to be made!
HilLesha O'Nan says
June 3, 2016 at 12:04 pmIt’s true that practicing good hygiene can make a world of a difference! It helps eliminate a myriad of maladies.
Lynndee says
June 3, 2016 at 9:07 pmI totally forgot about World Health Day this year, but we used to celebrate it every year when I was in elementary. And back then, Safeguard was also part of their health programs.
Travel Blogger says
June 5, 2016 at 9:18 amIt breaks my heart that so many children could be saved just by proper hygiene and nutrition. UNICEF works so diligently to change that everyday.
Jennifer Pilgrim says
June 7, 2016 at 7:16 amI have never feared for my health but now that I am a mom, I fear for hers. There’s just a lot that can go wrong. This is good info to educate moms on health issues!
Jennifer says
June 8, 2016 at 12:17 amHealth is such an important thing but we always seem to forget to take care of ourselves.