Why Combining Nutrition and Vaccination is Key to Raising Healthier Filipino Children

A growing number of health experts, parents, and medical leaders are urging a more holistic approach to child health in the Philippines, one that combines two critical pillars: proper nutrition and timely vaccination.

This call to action was at the center of the Health Connect Forum, a recent online event led by Dr. Eric Tayag, former Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary and past President of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV). With experts and advocates from across the country in attendance, the message was loud and clear: children need both nutrition and vaccines to grow up strong, protected, and ready to learn.

Alarming Numbers Behind Child Health Challenges

In the Philippines, children make up a third of the population, but many are facing serious health risks. Nearly 3 in 10 children under age five are stunted due to malnutrition. Meanwhile, as of January 2025, only 61% of eligible children have received full immunization, far below the 95% needed to achieve herd immunity.

“These numbers are a wake-up call,” said Theresa A. Rivas, Nutrition Officer III of the National Nutrition Council–Calabarzon. “We cannot address malnutrition alone, and we cannot rely solely on vaccination. Children need both to build strong immune systems and reach their full potential.”

Rivas also emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a window of opportunity that lays the foundation for lifelong health.

Why Vaccines Are Non-Negotiable

While good nutrition can strengthen a child’s immune system, it cannot prevent all diseases.

“Even well-nourished kids can get seriously ill if they aren’t vaccinated,” explained Dr. Maria Cristina Alberto, PFV Board Member and Founder of the Hope in Me Club. “Vaccination provides a layer of protection that nutrition alone can’t offer. Parents need to understand the lifelong benefits of following the recommended immunization schedule.”

Schools as Health Hubs

Schools also play a crucial role in holistic child health. Dr. Allen Mallari, President of the Philippine Academy of Physicians in School Health, Inc. (PAPSHI), stressed the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver programs like school feeding and vaccination drives.

“It’s not just about learning in the classroom,” Dr. Mallari said. “Healthy children are better learners. Schools should be safe spaces where kids get the care and protection they need.”

In Lipa City, efforts are already underway. Dr. Corazon Sabile, Medical Officer IV of the West District Health Center, detailed how the local government is preparing for school-based immunization for Grades 1, 4, and 7. The city has also launched an Immunization Caravan with support from the Department of Education, Department of Health, and local pediatricians to help meet the 95% vaccination target.

The Power of Partnership

The forum highlighted the importance of multi-sector collaboration. Leaders from medical societies like the PFV and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) expressed their readiness to support community-based health programs in partnership with local governments and private organizations.

Parents, too, are essential players. Alexenda Absin Macuja, founder of the Best Nanay online community, reminded everyone that mothers and caregivers are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting children’s health.

“We need to empower parents with accurate information and support systems,” she said.

A Unified Call for Action

“Building a healthy generation takes more than good intentions,” said Teodoro Padilla, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP). “We need strong policies, coordinated programs, and committed partnerships. Together, we can make sure every Filipino child has a healthy start in life.”

The forum, titled “Vax to School: Building Healthy Learners with Vaccination and Nutrition” was organized by PHAP, PMA, and PFV. It ended with a shared commitment from all participants to support holistic child health programs and reinforce the message that nutrition and vaccination must go hand in hand.

The full webinar is available for replay on the official Facebook pages of PHAP, PMA, and PFV.