Why vaccination and nutrition must go hand in hand

Schools are places of growth and learning but they can also expose children to health risks. In the Philippines, these risks are magnified by two silent threats: infectious diseases and malnutrition.

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Nearly three in 10 Filipino children under five are stunted, compromising not only their physical growth but also their ability to learn. Without timely intervention through proper nutrition and vaccination, millions of children face setbacks that could last a lifetime.

At a recent Health Connect media forum themed "Vax to School: Building Healthy Learners with Vaccination and Nutrition," health experts emphasized that children's health, learning, and future success depend on the powerful combination of proper nutrition and timely immunization.

"Both vaccination and nutrition are indispensable in ensuring that children are not only protected from illnesses but are also able to learn, grow, and succeed," said Dr. Eric Tayag, former Health Undersecretary and forum moderator.

Theresa A. Rivas, Nutrition Officer III of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Calabarzon, illustrated the consequences of malnutrition by comparing brain scans of a healthy child and a stunted child. The scan of the stunted child revealed 40% less brain mass and a less developed temporal lobe or the part of the brain that supports memory, language, and understanding.

"This is why malnourished children sometimes struggle in school. It's not because they are lazy or unwilling to learn, but because they are at a biological disadvantage," Ms. Rivas explained.