Understanding child nutrition preservation after an extreme weather event disaster: Lessons from tropical storm ketsana and typhoon parma (2009) in the Philippines

Seasonal tropical cyclones and consequent flooding expose Filipinos to food insecurity, hunger, and endemic malnutrition despite existing health and nutrition policies and programs. After the 2009 extreme weather events (EWEs) Tropical Storm Ketsana and the Typhoon Parma flooding disaster in Luzon, Philippines, we examined the experiences of local officials and community health workers to identify practices that impact child health and nutrition and to develop the EWE/Disaster Food and Nutrition Security Conceptual Framework. This incorporates vulnerability, resilience, and disaster management to understand the basic causes of undernutrition. Preflooding investments in child nutrition determinants had been established but were inadequate over the long-term after the flood. Strengthening resources and child nutrition preservation initiatives with sustainable livelihood assistance, social welfare support, and gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction strategies are needed to prepare for a changing climate and for future mitigation and adaptation measures.