South Cotabato IPHO intensifies campaign on dengue
by Edgar B. dela Cruz
Koronadal City (6 October) -- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of South Cotabato is intensifying its campaign against dreaded disease dengue. This was bared by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edgardo R. Sandig during the Kapihan sa SOCCSKSARGEN held at the Philippine Information Agency 12.
Dengue a deadly killer has caused alarm to the government's health department. Dr. Sandig admitted, "but only to other provinces but not here in South Cotabato. We are very fortunate enough, because no outbreak of dengue in our area compared to Metro Manila. This is because our people are much aware. Sanitation, awareness and advocacy campaign is high because of the help of media and information officers of the different government agencies and advocacy, reporting and information dissemination of active Barangay Health Workers," said Dr. Sandig.
"At present the province has not experienced yet any outbreak of dengue, malaria or any communicable disease, but minimal case registered especially here in Koronadal City. There are only 290 cases of dengue as of this time compared to 818 cases last year for the whole province. Koronadal City registered 143 cases and highest among other areas this year 2006 and followed by Lake Sebu with 44. Other municipalities in the province reported a minimal case, while Santo Nino reported no occurrence of said disease," Dr. Sandig added.
Dr. Sandig also reported that at present the Provincial Health Office had already purchased a plasma/ platelets separator so that, "Dengue patient need not go to Davao City or General Santos City or other places for platelets transfusion," the Provincial Health Officer said.
"We have also easier in the management and monitoring of disease admitted in the hospital. He introduced a computerized Hospital Operation Management Information System to monitor whenever there is an outbreak of disease in a certain area in the province admitted in the hospital immediately is given attention and solution," Dr. Sandig recalled.
The IPHO is now busy advocating for a new program dubbed "Ang Kaya' Ipakulob" (turning upside down cans, tires and coconut shells or anything that would catch water and possibly be made as a breeding places of mosquitoes.)
He also warn people living in subdivisions and crowded places in urban areas to look after their house gutters and other part of their home which are used to catch rain water because these are possible breeding places of mosquitoes too.
Dr. Sandig also thanked the Philippine information Agency, private media practioners, information officers of the different government agencies, the Barangay Health Workers and those advocating and involved in the health, cleanliness and sanitation program of the government to help and advocate for more clean and healthy lifestyle. (aca/PIA 12) [top]
