11/06/2026
Strengthening the Frontline Against Acute Malnutrition in BARMM
Cotabato City - The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) Nutrition Division successfully conducted a training on the Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (PIMAM) for service providers in Health Facilities of the BARMM from June 1 to 5, 2026, in Cotabato City. The activity gathered 50 healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including doctors, nurses, midwives, and nutritionist-dietitians from across the Bangsamoro Region, to strengthen their competencies in the prevention, detection, referral, and management of acute malnutrition among children.
This training comes at a critical time as BARMM continues to address the burden of child malnutrition. According to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the region recorded a 6.9% prevalence of wasting among children under five years old, underscoring the need for a well-equipped health workforce capable of delivering timely and quality nutrition interventions.
Beyond enhancing the knowledge and skills of health workers, the training also serves as a significant step toward strengthening health facility readiness and sustainability. The implementation of PIMAM is one of the key requirements for the accreditation of health facilities under the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) PhilHealth Package, enabling facilities to qualify for reimbursement and generate resources that can be reinvested in nutrition services, therapeutic supplies, and quality patient care.
Through lectures, workshops, case management exercises, and community practicum, participants gained practical experience in managing acute malnutrition cases and developing strategies for effective implementation in their respective health facilities and communities.
By prioritizing frontline health worker training and supporting facility accreditation, the Ministry of Health–BARMM is building a stronger, more coordinated response to malnutrition. The ultimate goal is to ensure vulnerable children consistently receive life-saving nutrition services while establishing sustainable health financing in the region.
Every trained health worker represents hope for a child. Every accredited facility strengthens our capacity to save lives. Together, we move closer to a healthier and malnutrition-free Bangsamoro.