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
It 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.
Thanks 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!
Oh, that prenatal death rate is so sad! That is such a high percentage. =(
Hand washing is so important! I don’t think people realize how important it is in stopping the spreading of germs!!
It is amazing how much proper hand washing makes a difference in our lives. This is all great advice!
This 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.
Those numbers are still alarming. These are great advice. Hand washing can really make a difference.
I had no idea that the second largest cause of death globally is Diarrhea. That statistic really shocked me!
This 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.
These are such great, simple tips that really can help so much. Those rates are so high and so sad!
Washing 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
THIS >> 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!
Wow that number is crazy high. I buy fun soap so it makes my kids want to wash their hands.
Thanks for this post! It’s so important to take care of your health! Will share it with friends!
Those 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.
I 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.
This 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.
Great 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.
such a great post, the most important is to take our health. Glad you share this
Thanks 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
It 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!
It’s true that practicing good hygiene can make a world of a difference! It helps eliminate a myriad of maladies.
I 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.
It breaks my heart that so many children could be saved just by proper hygiene and nutrition. UNICEF works so diligently to change that everyday.
I 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!
Health is such an important thing but we always seem to forget to take care of ourselves.