The PNRI received last April 19, a plaque of recognition from the Institute of Human Genetics (IHG), University of the Philippines in Manila, for its technical support and advocacy and promotion efforts for the IHG's Newborn Screening Program.
The awarding was part of a Thanksgiving Ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel, where newborn screening publications were also launched.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was also awarded on the same occasion with a plaque of appreciation for its technical and funding support to the program on neonatal screeing.
The event was organized principally to recognize individuals and institutions that were instrumental in the institutionalization of newborn screening in the Philippines and to launch newborn screening publications, including the Manual of Operations of the National Comprehensive Newborn Screening System, posters and flipcharts for the use of health professionals engaged in newborn screening.
The procedure of testing neonates for specific congenital diseases now enjoys nationwide support with the ratification of the Newborn Screening act of 2004, that requires all health facilities to include newborn screening among their child care services.
