Let's say "goodbye" to Tigdas, says DOH ESamar
By Alice Nicart
Borongan City (3 October) -- Dr. Marian Isiderio, Chief, Technical Division of the Provincial Health Office, this City, appealed the other day for all public sector's support in order for the Health Department to arrest the Measles virus this year.
Speaking before the different sector representatives, Isiderio reported an unprecedented decline of Measles cases between 2003 and early 2007, but she said it is best if the virus is "knocked out".
This early, she was happy to mention that the June 2007 DOH report, Eastern Samar was not included among the provinces which yielded Measles positive.
On the national view, since its first campaign in 1998 there had a been a few cases of children being inflicted with the virus but the young doctor stressed that, the public still has to join hands with PHO to completely eliminate Measles. She said that until there are single reports of Measles coming from far places, DOH cannot declare yet a Measles Free Philippines. She added, that it is true, nobody dies of the disease however, the complication, albeit, Diarrhea and Pneumonia are even more critical. In fact, she stressed, that Pneumonia prevails the number one cause of infants death.
Thus, come October 15 until November 15, DOH will conduct again what they call last phase of Measles elimination campaign. With its theme "Knock Out Tigdas-Huling Kabanata", health workers are expected to immunize children of nine months to four years old, regardless of the child's immunization status. Children beyond four who have not received previous Measles immunization, may be able to avail also, she said.
This is so because of DOH targets to knock out Measles in an estimate of 2.3M infants (2004 data) nationwide who are susceptible to the virus.
With the "door-to-door" immunization campaign that is set for next week until November 15, which will be done by the health workers nationwide, together with special places in the barangays, towns or cities for the special purpose, PHO is optimistic Tigdas can be arrested totally, notwithstanding the support of the community.
Specifically, for Borongan, SP Member Karen Alvarez, Sangguniang Panlunsod Member, Edsel Casillano, the Borongan City Health Office, the Church of the Later-Day Saints, Dep-Ed, EVIMS, Eastern Samar LGU, Rotary, PSWDO, UNICEF, Plan Philippines, the media among others expressed their commitment to support the forthcoming "Knock Out Tigdas" campaign. (PIA) [top]
