#folicacidPH 2019 to highlight the role of Folic acid in healthy and planned pregnancies

On July 18, 2019, Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines together with 70 partner organizations will unite for #folicacidPH and use its youth force in promoting the importance of folic acid supplementation. Launched in 2016, the event dubbed as the "National Social media Day for Folic acid Awareness" is annually held in line with the observance of Nutrition Month and National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

Why promote folic acid? 

Everyone needs folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin, specifically Vitamin B9. Our bodies use it to make new cells. Folic acid is also very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain and spine which are collectively known as neural tube defects.

In the Philippines, awareness on the significance of folic acid supplementation among Filipino women in reproductive age is presumed to be low, as folate deficiency has been determined to exist. According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, 1 in every 5 pinays of childbearing age is folate deficient. Hence, there is a need for increasing public awareness on this matter, especially in the absence of a legislation on folic acid fortification, supplementation and public education.

What are Neural Tube Defects?

Neural tube defects (NTDs) comprise one of the most common group of serious birth defects and these may result in immediate infant death, deformity, or disability. Examples of this kind of birth defects include anencephaly or severe underdevelopment of the brain; encephalocele or protrusion of brain tissue from an abnormal opening in the skull; and spina bifida or the incomplete closure of the spinal cord and spinal column.

Studies have shown that the intake of folic acid or vitamin B9 through supplementation and food fortification can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) or problems on the development of the baby’s brain and spine. In case of supplementation, proper dosage and intake schedule can lessen the risk of NTDs by up to 70%.

What to expect in #folicacidPH?

Although there are efforts directed towards increasing awareness, knowledge and consumption of folic acid, the full potential of folic acid to reduce the risk of NTDs has not yet realized in the Philippines.

In order to promote public awareness, #folicacidPH will utilize Facebook and Twitter as its major online platforms. Suggested tweets, status messages and infographics will also be provided by the youth network. Aside from the social media component, partner organizations are encouraged to bring the campaign “on the ground” as part of their activities in their schools and communities. #

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For questions or clarifications to the campaign, kindly send an email to folicacidph@gmail.com or a direct message to the folicacidPH Facebook Page (facebook.com/folicacidph)