UNICEF Philippines and the global movement Nutrition International (NI), have begun a nationwide three-year initiative to reduce risks of maternal deaths for pregnant women and protect newborn babies from life-threatening diseases. Working with the Department of Health, the ‘Right Start Initiative’ will provide an iron folic acid supplement to pregnant and post-partum mothers, promote optimum iron-folic young child feeding practices, and provide micronutrient powder for 91,000 pregnant women and 142,000 children 6-23 months old. “UNICEF Philippines congratulates Nutrition International for the launch of this very important initiative. We welcome and recognise the ‘Right Start Initiative’ as a significant milestone that contributes to improving the nutritional status of Filipinos – especially the women and vulnerable children,” says Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines Representative. The initiative will cover 45 cities and municipalities nationwide. Of these, UNICEF will roll out the programme in five municipalities: Basud, Mercedes and Capalonga in Camarines Sur; Leon Postigo…