World Vision Launches ‘Child Health Now’ In Congress

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World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. , an international child-focused organization will be launching the Child Health Now (CHN), a global campaign calling for the improvement of support systems that promote maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition (MNCHN) to reduce preventable deaths of Filipino children aged under five (5).

Through the support of Congressman Lorenzo R. Tanada III, the campaign launching ceremony will be held at the North Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives on July 31, 2012 (Tuesday), from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

The launch will be attended by guest lawmakers from Congress, distinguished Executives from the National and Local Government, Officials from the various Health sectors, representatives from child-focused committees in Congress, non-government and bilateral agencies, celebrity advocates for children and the media.

Almost 9 million children under age of five, die every year which is equivalent to one child dying every 3 seconds from preventable causes.  In the Philippines 34 out of 1,000 children born will not reach their 5^th birthday due to easily preventable causes like pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition and lack of access to quality health care.

One-third of these children could be saved with inexpensive, easy and effective solutions.  Maternal deaths have also increased from 162 to 221 per 100,000 live births between 2006 and 2010.  This means that an estimated 11 women die each day from highly preventable complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth.

The Child Health Now Campaign draws upon multi-sectoral partnerships to influence policies, programming, and implementation of health initiatives that prioritize maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition (MNCHN).

The campaign specifically calls on the national government to increase its budget allocation for MNCHN, from 4.2 percent to 10 percent.  Similarly, it also pushes for the concerned lawmakers in Congress to allot 10 percent of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to programs, projects, and advocacy works that intentionally supports and invests on child health.

It is also a paramount concern of the campaign that participatory budgeting among health officials and service providers be strengthened in order to uphold child health support.  Child Health Now Campaign further calls on Local Government Units in project areas to prioritize and include programs and projects on maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition in their Local Development Plan and Budget.