Although there is quite a handful of Health and Nutrition programs being implemented by Government and Non-governmental Organizations, the Philippines continues to grapple on the issues of malnutrition specially among children. Contextually, there is not much of a difference with ERMFPI’s partner communities. As with other ERMFPI’s programs, health problems are commonly associated with economic concerns and has been part of a complex web of a mirage of consequences. Among other things, poverty is seen as both a cause and consequence of disability. Disability perpetuates poor economic conditions as it may result to discrimination when applying for a job or an
eventual job loss and significant additional expenses for maintenance. Being at the margins could also result
to disability because of poor nutrition and inaccessibility of quality health care services. Sources of clean and safe drinking water is also a major concern among ERMFPI’s partner communities and unhygienic practices are very much evident. In the Sama-badjao community (Dolho, Bato Leyte), there was only one source of water in the area before ERMFPI came into their community. An elongated tube that is protruding from the ground which will be flooded by sea water during high tide. In Brgy. Carreta and Tinago, Cebu City, drinking from the tap water will almost certainly result to stomach problems and as a result it became an additional expense to the residents as they have to outsource their drinking water outside of their community and buy them gallons.
The Health and Nutrition program aims to implement a sustained community education on health, food and nutrition to increase community members’ awareness on health promotion, nutrition, illness prevention and disability rehabilitation. Through the FAITH (Food Always in The Home) program component, it was also designed to promote sustainable gardening in order to ensure sufficient supply of healthy and nutritious means of sustenance. All projects under this program are to be developed in targeting the three (3) key priority areas: a.) Improved Health and nutritional status of children b.) Communities have access to primary health care and rehabilitation through networks and partnerships c.) Communities have improved health status through producing nutritious and safe food at home.