Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 540)
The first week of October of each year is declared as the National Newborn Screening Week.
The proclamation cites the constitutional right that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
The Early Childhood Care and Development Act (ECCD) is mentioned as the law supporting this policy.
Newborn screening is an essential public health strategy aimed at early detection of inheritable conditions that could lead to mental retardation or death if untreated.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Institute of Human Genetics of the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines, are designated as the national focal points.
Only two percent (2%) of Filipino newborns were being screened for newborn conditions.
Early diagnosis and treatment can result in normal growth and development of the affected individual.
There is an urgent need to conduct a national information campaign to create public awareness and generate full support for newborn screening from public and private sectors.