Babies in Pililla, Rizal undergo free newborn screening through GMA Kapuso Foundation, DOH Calabarzon

Babies in Pililla, Rizal, underwent free newborn screening tests through a health caravan by the Department of Health - Calabarzon and the GMA Kapuso Foundation in observance of National Newborn Screening Awareness Week, held every first week of October.

Citing data from the Newborn Screening Reference Center of the University of the Philippines Manila, "24 Oras" reported Monday that a total of 1,455,337 babies were born in 2022. Of this number, 90% or 1,310,230 babies underwent newborn screening.

But while this percentage may be high, there are some mothers who are  still unaware of the importance of newborn screening, including Rowena Ollet, whose five children did not undergo newborn screening.

Mark Nicholas Santos, Medical Officer IV at DOH-Center for Health Development Calabarzon, underscored that it's crucial for babies to undergo newborn screening because this tests for various health conditions.

"Twenty-eight na sakit po pwedeng malaman po na nakukuha ng newborn screening. Kadalasan po diyan ay mental retardation. Ang pinakamalala po diyan ay pwedeng magsanhi ng pagkamatay ng bata pag hindi po natin to nalaman or naagapan agad," he said in the report.

Dr. Aura Paz, Municipal Health Officer of Pililla Rizal, also said that there are some mothers who still give birth at home and are not able to have their babies undergo newborn screening.

At the newborn screening caravan, DOH-Calabarzon and GMA Kapuso Foundation also distributed newborn kits, baby swaddles, diapers, hygiene kits, electric kettles, and food to the beneficiaries. Nine babies also received cribs.

Newborn screening caravans will also be held by the GMA Kapuso Foundation in Tayabas City, Lucban, Candelaria, and Sariaya in Quezon Province on October 17.

Those who wish to sign up may coordinate with Cherryl Alcantara and Lovely Joy Divina by contacting 0917 116 3424 or emailing quezonnbs4a@gmail.com until October 16.

To support more of GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit GMA Kapuso Foundation's website for more information.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News