THE POWER OF BREASTFEEDING IN TIMES OF EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS

From: DOH WebPage

2 October 2009

Typhoon Ondoy has left a path of destruction and misery in the country after causing massive flooding in many parts of Metro Manila, Central Luzon and the CALABARZON regions.

Hundreds of thousands of families were affected and many Filipino infants and children have become vulnerable to diseases, premature deaths and malnutrition now that their families are homeless and their parents and caregivers are struggling to cope with this unfortunate crisis.

“Breastfeeding is the perfect shield that will protect our infants from deadly diseases in this time of calamity,” says Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. “During emergency situations, this is the lifeline for our infants as breast milk provides them the safest and the most complete nutrition and an invaluable source of protection against many infections,“ he added.

Thus, with the threat faced by thousands of infants and young children who now stay with their families in evacuation centers, the Department of Health reiterated its policy to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, to breastfeed exclusively the infant 0-6 months old and to be initiated on safe adequate and appropriate complementary foods at 6 months of age while breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.

Because of the lack of adequate safe water and sanitation facilities in destroyed communities and in evacuation centers, the DOH advised all mothers that it is all the more crucial for them to breastfeed and for government, health professionals, communities and breastfeeding advocates to ensure that there is a supportive, healthy and conducive environment fit for mothers and infants.

“The use of prepared powdered formulas in a situation where there is a lack of safe water & sanitation will only increase the vulnerability of infants to acquire infections,” warned Secretary Duque.

Aside from this, Duque added that only breast milk contains immunological factors and probiotics that protect against diarrheas and pneumonias – the most common causes of deaths in young children. These protective factors are not present in infant milk formula.

Duque shared on-the-ground efforts in the Philippines which provide evidence that breastfeeding can be done during emergencies to counter misconceptions that mothers are unable to breastfeed, produce enough milk or restart breastfeeding because of the stressful situation during crises among other factors.

Health officials of the DOH have been going around evacuation centers since the tragedy struck to monitor the health of the typhoon victims especially that of mothers, young children and vulnerable infants.

In the evacuation center of Barangay Panghulo in Malabon City, babies are being breastfed by their mothers and have remained safe and free from illnesses.

“This is an excellent model that we want all mothers to practice in all our evacuation centers so that we reduce the risk of diseases and deaths among very young children (0-3 years), “ Duque said.

The DOH together with the affected local government units in Metro Manila is now mobilizing Breastfeeding Support Groups or Peer Counselors to counsel and provide the necessary care to pregnant women and mothers that will encourage and coach them to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. Other affected regions in the country where there are also evacuation centers are urged to do the same.

The breastfeeding support groups will correct misconceptions, provide coaching and counseling to mothers as well as respond to their health and nutritional needs

In the Philippine General Hospital, the premiere national university hospital of the Philippines, the Newborn Medicine Lactation Unit and Human Milk Bank already launched a breastfeeding mission to collect as many volumes of donated breast milk from volunteer moms which will be delivered and cup-fed to babies staying at the different evacuation centers.

The Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, the country’s national center for maternal and newborn health, has also intensified its collection of human milk to benefit the babies who were victims of the recent typhoon and flooding.

“First, we should make it clear that all women, even those who are malnourished, can breastfeed. We should put all efforts to keep infants and young children with their mothers and support mothers to breastfeed,” Secretary Duque said. “In rare circumstances where breastfeeding cannot be implemented, there are other options such as wet nursing, accessing the milk bank and doing cup feeding,” added Duque.

The DOH is encouraging all partner government and non-government agencies, local government units, private organizations and health professional societies to help promote, protect and support breastfeeding especially during emergency situations.

The DOH through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reiterated its policy not to allow donations of breast milk substitutes such as infant formula or other such products covered by the National Milk Code.

“In these challenging times, we must act to save and protect our babies and children and the most excellent way to do it is through breastfeeding,” Duque concluded.

DUQUE LAUNCHES DOH H.E.R.O. FOR TYPHOON ONDOY VICTIMS

From: DOH WebPage

The task of reaching all Typoon Ondoy victims is a challenge that is too big for the government to address alone.

Today, there are an estimated number of more than 1 million individuals affected by the recent typhoon which has caused massive devastation, loss of lives and livelihood and great suffering for our countrymen.

Thousands of families were displaced and are now housed in 561 identified evacuation sites in the heavily affected regions of Metro Manila, Central Luzon and CALABARZON. Until this day, there are still many areas that remain unreached by relief operations.

In our desire to reach out to all the victims and augment government’s assistance to the victims, the Department of Health (DOH) is appealing to all concerned and well-meaning individuals, corporations, civic and private organizations and local and international development partners to immediately extend health and medical assistance to Typhoon Ondoy victims.

Today, we are launching the DOH Health Emergency Relief Operations (DOH HERO).

In lieu of this, we are appealing to everyone to provide us the following critical needs:

1) Oral, topical, and intravenous antibiotics for children and adults

2) Antipyretics /analgesics

3) Oral rehydration solutions & Zinc

4) Anti-hypertensive drugs

5) Intravenous fluids

6) Anti-tetanus serum, Tetanus toxoid and anti-measles vaccines

7) Multivitamins for children and adults

8) Ferrous Sulfate for mothers

9) Potable water

10) Chlorine tablets / granules

11) Hygiene Kits - Soaps and alcohol, toothbrush, toothpaste, baby diapers, sanitary napkins, cotton, betadine, gauze, tissue paper, towel/towelletes,

12) Portable toilets

13) Trash bags (green, black)

14) Volunteer medical teams

15) Volunteer health education teams

16) Wet nurses / sterilized donated breast milk

We are requesting that all health/medical assistance be coordinated with the DOH Health Emergency Management Staff (DOH-HEMS) at DOH Hotlines 711-1001 or 711-1002. The DOH is the NDCC Cluster Lead for the provision of medical missions, medical supplies, water, sanitation, hygiene and psychosocial services for the disaster victims. This is for security purposes and to make sure that relief efforts are not duplicated and appropriately distributed to the most affected and needy areas. DOH-HEMS can receive your calls 24/7 and provide you with guidance on where to target your assistance.

List of DOH Health Emergency Relief Operations ( HERO)

1. Private Hospital Asso. Of the Phils.
2. Smart Communications
3. Watsons
4. Mercury Drug Corp.
5. Deutsche Bank
6. Philam Life
7. Unilab
8. Drug Stores Association of the Phils. (DSAP)
9. Globe Communications
10. United Coconut Planters bank (UCPB)
11. Merck Sharp & Dome (MSD)
12. San Miguel Corp. (SMC)
13. PITC Pharma.
14. Phil. Deposit Insuramce Corp. (PDIC)
15. PHAP
16. FPHC

DUQUE VISITS ONDOY VICTIMS

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III sympathizes with victims of Typhoon Ondoy during his visit to different evacuation centers. Duque also leads in the distribution of medicines, sleeping bags, foodstuffs, and health advisories at Barangays Bagong Silangan and Nagkaisang Nayon in Quezon City and Exodus Elementary School in Cainta. He also advised evacuees to practice personal hygiene to prevent contracting and transmitting diseases by boiling their water or using chlorine tablets, washing hands with soap and water before eating and after using the toilet, and to wear protective clothing to prevent dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

DOH HOLDS FIRST PHILIPPINE GENERICS EXPO

From: DOH WebPage

The fight against high-priced medicines continues.

In line with the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Act, the Department of Health, together with its partner agencies, the World Health Organization, the Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries, the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines, GTZ, and PITC-Pharma today host the first ever Philippine Generics Expo in Megatrade Hall 1, 5th floor SM Mega Mall, September 25-26, 2009. It is also being held in celebration of the Generics Awareness Month this September. The Expo highlights quality generic medicine companies and their products which people can buy during the two-day event.

“Generic medicines have been our unsung heroes in the fight against costly, expensive, abusively- priced medicines. All these years, these generic medicine companies have competed against their high-priced innovator counterparts. Such competition has forced some of these high-priced medicine prices to go down to more affordable levels, just as it has further improved the quality of generic medicines through the years. If more and more doctors prescribe generic medicines and more and more people use generic medicines, these offer more competition to further force medicine prices to go down,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III says.

“As a matter of fact, 5 to 6 of 10 Filipinos are indeed using generic medicines now. This emerging generation of wise consumers is surely increasing and it has caused the reduction of many medicine prices already such as of simvastatin, paracetamol, amoxicillin, and many, many more medicines for a variety of diseases. This is why our theme for this year’s Generics Awareness month celebration is “We Love Generics: Join our Generation!,” Duque added.

Further, to show the benefits of generics, the DOH also signs today an agreement with the Cancer Warriors Foundation to invest 20 Million pesos for the purchase of generic anti-cancer medications that is earmarked to benefit children with leukemia. These medicines that would have benefited only a few patients for the same amount due to the high costs of treatment can now help hundreds of leaukemic patients. The medicines are purchased through PITC-Pharma and are 2 to 5 times cheaper than the innovator counterparts but are of excellent quality.

“We love generics because they have always been in the forefront of our fight against expensive healthcare. Many children with cancer die every day because they cannot afford their medication. Hopefully, we see the heroism of generics through the lives of these children we save,” Duque stresses.

Secretary Duque elaborates that even in the midst of the policies recently adopted to make medicines more accessible to all, such as the imposition of ceiling prices for medicines, generic medicines still give much affordable price and much more savings.

A commissioned study recently done by the DOH and the DTI revealed that generic medicines can be up to 80% cheaper than their innovator counterparts.

The Expo also offers free medical consultation, surprise guests, prizes and giveaways to lucky winners, and many more. Concurrently, a current good manufacturing practice workshop shall be conducted to highlight how generic medicine companies in the Philippines have complied with international standards of quality. Thus, quality of generic medicines has greatly improved.

“We remain relentless in our pursuit for quality affordable medicines for all. And we invite all our people to join us in the fight, to join us in Generation Generics!” Duque concluded.

DOH LEADS NATIONAL DISABILITY SUMMIT

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/24 September 2009

The Department of Health and the National Council on Disability Affairs today opened a two-day National Disability Summit at the Manila Pavilion Hotel in order to build a consensus among all stakeholders to establish high-impact national framework on disability.

The said National Summit is also the country's response to the ratification of the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities held last 15 April 2008.

This year's theme, "Accessibility and Inclusive Development For All", highlights the need to formulate a coherent national strategy that will guide the implementation of disability programs from a rights-based perspective.

It is a high time that we coordinate and sustain all our efforts and integrate Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) into the mainstream of society," Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said. Duque stressed that PWDs should be given equal opprotunities, especially in the areas of livelihood and employment.

The Objectives of the National Disability Summit is to establish baseline and benchmarks on disability, through the conduct of consultative symposia with stakeholders, respond to the needs of national government agencies and local government units on how to mainstream disability in their plan of actions, programs, and budgetary processes.

The Summit also aims to identify support links and partnerships (vertical and horizontal) and to improve the delivery of services meant to empower PWDs as members of the community.

Some of the interesting topics to be discussed in the summit include mainstreaming disability in development (global, regional, and national perspectives), disability and public health, disability and health financing livelihood opportunities for PWD entrepreneurs, linking informal education to livelihood opportunities for PWDs, and sound practices in making public transportation accessible.

"Together we can achieve more. Let us make our country PWD- friendly," Duque concluded.

DOH, UNFPA, UNICEF, & WHO JOIN TO REDUCE MATERNAL & NEONATAL DEATHS IN RP

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today announced that the three United Nations (UN) agencies – the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Health Organization have joined forces and resources to undertake a joint program on rapidly reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in the country and meet the Millennium Development Goals.

“This is a very welcome development and I am very glad that the Philippines will benefit from this multi-UN agencies collaborative effort”, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The Philippines is among the countries which contribute to the high percentage of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. According to the 2006 Family Planning Survey, the maternal mortality ratio was pegged at 162 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

“This joint undertaking focuses on accelerating our efforts to attain the targets of MDG #5, which is the reduction of maternal mortality ratio by 75% and the universal access to reproductive health services by 2015, and MDG #4 which is the reduction of the neonatal mortality rate”, Duque declared adding that this initiative will also attain the results desired by the National Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health & Nutrition strategy.

The health chief also said that, with the new project, people can expect better health services as each UN agency will be able to assist the government by pooling procurement, sharing costs in service delivery, common equipment, training of healthworkers, and monitoring and evaluation.

The new project, with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is divided into two significant phases: the Transition period (2009-2011) which will cover the provinces of Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Saranggani, and the urban poor areas in Tacloban, General Santos, Taguig, Navotas, Parañaque and Makati; and the Full Operationalization Period covering the years 2011-2016.

To seal the partnerships of the three UN agencies, the DOH, and AusAID, a document was signed by the heads of the respective agencies.

“Through this Joint Programme, we will ensure that a coordinated technical and management support from the three UN agencies will be available to operationalize the government-led strategy of averting maternal & newborn deaths in agreed priority sites where UN assistance is needed”, Duque concluded.

DUQUE COMMENDED TASK FORCE H1N1 FOR JOB WELL DONE

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III convened the 3rd Command Conference on Influenza A (H1N1) to update everyone on the current situation and to review all collective response against the disease. During the said meeting, Duque commended all members of Task Force A (H1N1) for working accurately and diligently in monitoring the behavior of the virus and mitigate its health and socioeconomic impact to the country, as well as prepare for any resurgence. (16 September 2009)

MDRP SPOT CHECK

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III conducting a spot visit on Accuhealth Pharmacy to check if such establishment is complying with the September 15 deadline of small drug stores to implement the government’s Maximum Drug Retail Price program. Duque stressed that all drug stores, big or small, should now comply or face sanction. (15, September 2009)

DUQUE TOPS LATEST PULSE ASIA SURVEY AMONG CABINET MEMBERS

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/11 September 2009

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III topped anew in a survey involving public approval among Cabinet members.

In the Pulse Asia survey conducted in July and August this year, Secretary Duque was given a 51% approval rating by the public.

“This is very flattering considering that I was only doing my job, which is to always make sure that the health of the public is always guarded against all kinds of diseases, whether the emerging or the endemic ones. I have to stress, however, that I am not alone in all these endeavors because behind me is the most committed and tireless health workforce,” Secretary Duque said.

Meanwhile, in the June 2009 Social Weather Stations survey, Secretary Duque also led other Cabinet members with a 51% public satisfaction rating. Following him are former NEDA Secretary Ralph Recto, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

The SWS survey explained that the high rating of 51% means that about half of Filipinos who are aware of Secretary Duque are satisfied with his performance at the Department of Health. The SWS further said that net-wise, Secretary Duque’s latest rating is the highest since he took office in June 2005.
“I am truly very grateful to the people for the high marks they gave in recent surveys regarding our efforts and capability in addressing health threats and raising public awareness on these threats.
In the most recent Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) report card released this August the leadership of Secretary Duque was recognized anew for his efforts in fighting graft and corruption.

“I am very proud that the PAGC recognized again the DOH as Number One among 109 government agencies in terms of compliance with the requirements of the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP) for the first half of the year. We are grateful because we work hard to keep our records clean and graft-free to curb graft problems within the agency,” Secretary Duque.

Secretary Duque said that with a committed, dedicated and steadfast health workforce it is no wonder that the DOH consistently leads in integrity and high approval ratings by the Filipino public.

DALAW BARANGAY NI DUQUE KONTRA DENGUE

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III strongly advises residents to get rid of used tires placed on their house roofs as these are perfect breeding grounds for dengue-carrying Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Duque also visited a mother whose daughter died of dengue in Barangay Tandang Sora in Quezon City. Presently, clustering of cases was noted in Barangays Commonwealth and Tandang Sora, both in Quezon City. To prevent dengue, Duque urged residents to cover all water containers, replace waters in flower vases daily, regularly clean roof gutters, discard softdrink bottles, empty cans, and all receptacles which may serve as mosquito breeding sites as dengue is now an all-year occurrence due to climate change.

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (14th Batch)

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (13th Batch)

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (12th Batch)

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (11th Batch)

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (10th Batch)

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (9th Batch)

DOH #1 IN FIGHTING GRAFT & CORRUPTION FOR JAN-JUN 2009 – PAGC

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/1 September 2009

The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) recognized this August the Department of Health (DOH) anew for its efforts in fighting graft and corruption.

“We are very proud to be ranked by the PAGC as Number One among 109 government agencies in terms of compliance with the requirements of the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP) for the first half of the year. We work hard to keep our records clean and graft-free so, we are very grateful that our efforts in curbing this problem are being appreciated again by PAGC just like the previous years,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

Duque said that to be recognized by PAGC, a government agency has to pass its 20 or more criteria (decisive factors) and went on to note that the health department has always been consistently supportive of the national government’s endeavors in fighting graft and corruption in all levels of its operations.

“We are not actually just being compliant with all the directives of governing bodies like the PAGC and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), we also implemented and institutionalized several preventive initiatives on graft and corruption,” Duque said.

Duque said that in the spirit of transparency, the DOH created and institutionalized its own Integrity Development Committee which formulated and implemented its IDAP based on the PAGC and OMB templates. He added that the DOH has also adopted a Code of Conduct using the existing laws and regulations in fighting graft and corruption in the government service as reference.

“We also have formulated, implemented and institutionalized a Moral Renewal Action Plan (MRAP) that aims to promote spiritual, moral and ethical standards among DOH employees and boost their integrity stocks,” Duque explained, adding that the DOH also even signed a pledge of commitment with the United Nation Convention Against Corruption.

The health chief said that because of the health department’s diligence in fighting these problems, the PAGC, OMB and other survey bodies have consistently ranked the DOH as either No. 1 or 2 among other national agencies when it comes to addressing graft and corruption.

“We are committed to make these problems go away for good and with the dedicated and steadfast health workforce that we have, it will just be a matter of time,” Duque assured.

REDPMS/eEDPMS TRAINING (8th Batch)

eEDPMS Training (Batch no. 7)

DUQUE ASSERTS COMPLIANCE TO MDRP

From: DOH Webpage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today served a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) to four drug stores found violating the government’s Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP) program. The said CDO prevents drug stores from selling and offering for sale identified drug product sold at a price higher than the imposed MDRP. Said drug stores were given 72 hours to show valid cause in writing and present evidence why no further administrative or legal action should be taken against them. These four drug stores are Stardust Drug and Medical Supplies Corporation, Cheer-Up Drug Store, Sunburst Drug Corporation all in Rizal Avenue in front of the Department of Health and the South Star Drug located in Matalino Street, Diliman, Quezon City. Duque also visited the Santo Tomas University Hospital Pharmacy and found them complying with the government program.

DOH DID ITS JOB IN MANILA BAY CLEANUP

From: DOH WebPage


The Department of Health (DOH) today belied allegations that the agency is not complying with the Supreme Court (SC) decision concerning the Manila Bay cleanup.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that on May 5 this year, the DOH reported to the Department of Environment & Natural Resources that it has issued a memorandum (dated February 2, 2009) to all directors of the DOH-Centers for Health Development nationwide regarding the requirement of the SC decision.

“I directed them to undertake necessary actions to ensure the strict compliance of all septic and sludge companies as require by the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines,” Duque said.

The health chief also said that a meeting with Sanitation Officers/Heads of all local government units (LGUs) and septic tank desludging operators in Metro Manila was conducted on March 31, 2009 to orient them on the DOH rules and regulations governing the collection, handling, transport, treatment, and disposal of domestic sludge and septage.

“During the meeting, we requested the LGUs present to monitor the operators to make sure that the instructions have been followed to the letter,” Duque stressed.

Duque said that under the SC decision, the DOH is directed to determine if all licensed septic tank and sludge companies have the proper facilities for the treatment and disposal of fecal sludge coming from septic tanks.

Duque also reported that septic tanks of Metro Manila residences are being cleaned by the Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI) and the Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) on a regular basis with the collected sludge from the septic tanks treated and disposed in their treatment facilities.

“All regional health offices, in coordination with local government units, are monitoring private desludging operators and require them to secure the Environmental Sanitation Clearance from the DOH,” Duque assured.

The DOH urges the public to tap only legitimate septic tank desludging operators, such as MWSI and MWCI, to service their septic tanks.

"BHW- TUNAY NA BAYANI NG PAMILYANG PILIPINO"

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III is warmly welcomed by the Barangay Health Workers’ Federation of Oriental Mindoro during his arrival at the RGV Gymnasium for the celebration of their 17th year anniversary and 8th Provincial Convention. During his speech, Duque underscored the urgency of a law for the protection of BHWs and their much-deserved benefits as they play a major role in the delivery of health needs of the people. He also said that BHWs are the foundation of an effective health system in the country. (21 August 2009)

DOH GARNERS 78% SATISFACTION RATING FOR EFFECTIVE RESPONSE AGAINST INFLUENZA A (H1N1) – JUNE SWS SURVEY

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/18 August 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today conveyed its gratefulness to the public for the high marks it got in recent surveys regarding its efforts and capability in addressing the A (H1N1) threat and on its endeavor to raise public awareness on the novel virus.

The June 2009 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 80% of the respondents believed that the DOH is very/somewhat ready to fight A (H1N1), 83% are aware of the health advisory, and 78% are satisfied with the current efforts of the DOH against the disease.

“This development is very encouraging because it affirms that actions should always be complemented with health promotion and information. There is always a hunger for information especially during disease outbreaks and we can only satisfy this hunger if we use the most powerful tool to deliver it: the media,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that traditional and conventional means like lectures, symposia, and meetings work but if the aim is to reach a bigger audience, going for a larger (national) scale information drive thru mass media is the way to achieve it.

The survey further disclosed that among those who were aware of the DOH advisory, 50% said that it helped a lot in avoiding the virus.

The same SWS survey also said that as far as awareness is concerned: 86% of the respondents are worried that they or someone in their family would catch the novel virus, while 90% said they have knowledge about it. The survey also disclosed that respondents said that television (80%) is the main source of information about A (H1N1) in all areas and economic classes.

“Infomercials, in all forms, augment our health promotion efforts. We have print advertisements in leading newspapers, we have television commercials, and we have radio plugs that can reach the farthest areas.



We even partnered with Smart to use SMS text in disseminating vital information on A (H1N1). We really did not leave any stone unturned just to make the information get to the public and it is paying off because it raised their awareness and helped them fight off the disease,” Duque stressed.



In relation to the above issue, the said survey also said that the government’s efforts in protecting the public from outbreak of diseases got a +40 public satisfaction rating. Incidentally, the said rating was the highest among the 13 government-related issues studied in another SWS survey.

On the subject of cheaper medicines, the state agency was given by the respondents a +14 satisfaction rating in ensuring that medicines are affordable.

In general, the net satisfaction rating of the of the DOH rose from +58 in February 2009 to +65 this June 2009, like-wise with the satisfaction rating of Duque, which also rose from +23 in February to +31 this June.

Duque took the lead with his +31 net rating among the other Cabinet Members included in the survey. Following him are former NEDA Secretary Ralph Recto, DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus, DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

BFAD POWER STRENGTHENED

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (standing 6th from left), together with some lawmakers and other cabinet officials today witnessed the signing of the amendment to Republic Act No. 3720 by Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The bill, which was authored by Senator Pia Cayetano, aims to strengthen the functions/roles of the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD), now the Food and Drug Administration.

Some of the salient features of said bill were the establishment of modern and complete testing laboratory facilities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in order to assure the delivery of timely services at the shortest possible time anywhere in the country, empower the BFAD to seize and held in custody without hearing or court order health products found to be in violation of existing laws, and increase the penalty for both criminal sanctions and administrative penalties in order to deter commission of prohibited acts. (17 August 2009, Malacañang Palace)

THIS AUGUST, START TAKING CARE OF YOUR EYES – DOH

From: DOH WebPage



The Department of Health (DOH) today reminded the public to take care of their eyes as approximately 314 million people worldwide are estimated to live with low vision and blindness, according to the 2002 World Health Organization data.

“We have coordinated a nationwide eye screening and cataract surgery with selected government and private hospitals, so I urge the public to have their eyes checked up to prevent blindness later in life”, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The global figure translates to 3.4 million Filipinos who are visually impaired, according to the 3rd National Blindness Survey done in 2002. Of these, 3.2 million have visual impairment in one or both eyes while 461,121 are blind in both eyes.

“According to the same survey, blindness was most common among the elderly and the poor who have no access to health facilities”, Duque said, adding that as one grows older, one gets more prone to have an error of refraction, or glaucoma, or cataract, or blindness due to diabetes, hypertension.

Based on the same survey, the top three causes of visual impairment are cataract, error of refraction, and glaucoma. Cataract is the number one cause of reversible blindness in the country, with prevalence highest among the poor and underserved. Errors of refraction can usually be corrected with eyeglasses.

Experts said that glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually lead to loss of vision, often without warning. This disease is hardly preventable when blindness has set in. What is important is early detection; however, this can only be done with high technology equipment. This makes the number of glaucoma cases under-estimated.

The reminder was made as part of the national observance of this month as Sight-Saving Month whose theme is, “Excellence and Equity in Eye Care: A Human Right”.

“Quality and affordable eye care must be made accessible to all Filipinos of all social strata. This is a basic right that should be accorded to everyone, without discrimination as to age, sex, gender, religion, race, or social standing”, declared Duque adding that the challenge now is how to bring affordable and excellent eye care to all areas of the country.

This year, the DOH and its partner agencies and organizations under the National Committee for Sight Preservation, aims to put up local Committees for Sight Preservation in the different regions and provinces of the country. Under their local chief executives (LCEs), these committees will coordinate the delivery of eye care services at the local level, such as eye screening and cataract surgery programs for the indigent constituents of the community.

A local Committee for Sight Preservation will be composed of ophthalmologists, optometrists, local health care personnel, representatives of civic organizations and non-government organizations, and volunteers from the community.

Duque also advocated to the non-government organizations to help the LCEs by providing human resources or logistics for cataract surgeries and providing eyeglasses. He also challenged the PhilHealth to look into providing coverage to specialists who work in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.

“The end goal is that eye care services will be integrated in the local health services system”, Duque concluded.

DOH GETS SATISFACTION RATINGS FOR LOOKING AFTER THE PUBLIC’S HEALTH - SWS SURVEY

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today expressed its gratitude to the public for conveying their confidence in the government’s capability of looking after their health in the light of the most recent survey results that showed positive satisfaction> ratings.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) latest survey revealed that the government got a +40 satisfaction rating (the highest net rating among the 13 issues surveyed) on “the issue of protecting the public from the outbreak of diseases” and a +14 rating for “ensuring that medicines are available”.

“We are very happy that all our efforts did not go to waste. Our government, under the leadership of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and its health workers are selflessly and relentlessly working to give the public better health services and we are very thankful to the public for appreciating all these endeavors,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that during the height of the A (H1N1) outbreak earlier this year and even with the year-round continuous threat of dengue, health workers have never tired of serving the public and have always had their best interest in mind.

“The battle against A (H1N1) is not easy. I am not saying that the fight has already been won and that we have squashed the novel virus. But due to the diligent work of our people at DOH and our front liners in the field and in the hospitals, we were able to stall the increase in the number of cases and treat those afflicted accordingly,” Duque explained.

Duque said that to maximize the impact of the agency’s information drive against this disease, the DOH did not just rely on traditional means such as lectures and other community-organized meetings but also tried using mass media as a channel to expand its reach.

“We have infomercials to augment our health promotion efforts. We have print advertisements in leading newspapers, we have television commercials, and we have radio plugs that can reach the farthest areas. We even partnered with Smart to use SMS text in disseminating vital information on A (H1N1). We really did not leave any stone unturned just to make the information get to the public and it is paying off because it raised their awareness,” Duque stressed.

The health chief said that the 4-S Kontra Dengue campaign launched in 2006 had been given the same media treatments and made the public more aware of its prevention and control.

“The government’s efforts in ensuring medicines are affordable to the public is not an easy feat also. The fight for cheaper medicines was a long and tedious battle with the multinationals for years and now that a law has finally been signed to make the costs of essential medicines half by 50%, its time for the public to reap,” Duque said.
Duque said that as the head of the DOH he has an accountability of informing the public about these developments.

“We need to make the most out of our resources and have to resort to all information channels that will best deliver it: the media. It’s a very good tool and is cost-effective if we compare it to the expenses that may possibly incur when thousands of the public get sick,” Duque said.

BREASTFEED EVEN DURING EMERGENCIES, DOH SAYS ON WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/4 August 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today said that it is pursuing aggressively its campaign for breastfeeding in the light of the 2008 National Demographic & Health Survey (NDHS) results revealing that only 50% of mothers exclusively breastfed for a period of two months or less.

The announcement was made as part of the worldwide observance of World Breastfeeding Week which is held every first week of August.

The latest NDHS survey result is below the 53% recorded in 2003. The same study shows that only 34% of infants below 6 months of age are being exclusively breastfed. The study also estimates that the under-five mortality rate is 34 deaths per 1,000 live births.

As part of its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals, the DOH has adapted the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding which include actions on how to encourage breastfeeding among infants and children especially during emergencies and in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Since the country is disaster-prone, many natural and man-made disasters inflict damage to lives and property. In these situations, infants and children are the most vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and death. Safe corners in evacuation centers must be provided with available breastfeeding counselor or mother-to-mother support.

Breastfeeding, then, becomes a life-saving intervention providing the greatest protection for infants who are most vulnerable to disease and death in emergency situations. Because of the limited access to clean drinking water, fuel and utensils (necessities in bottle-feeding), infants and children are at risk for diarrhea. Diarrhea is the tenth leading cause of deaths among infants, according to the 2009 DOH statistics.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week is an international event held to draw attention to the vital role that breastfeeding plays, especially during emergencies. This year’s theme is, “Breastfeeding --- A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready?”. Locally, the theme is “Gatas Ng Ina, Laging Handa Lalo Na Sa Oras Ng Pangangailangan”.

2009 HW FRIENDSHIP GAMES (June , 2009 @Cagayan de Oro City)

DOH Red Orchid Awards 2009: Call for Nomination

From: DOH WebPage


Nomination Form

Smoking in the Philippines is among the highest in the world today. In 2008, the World Lung Foundation and the American Cancer Society ranked the Philippines as 9th highest for adult male smokers and 16th highest for female adult smokers. Even among the world's youth, the country was among the heaviest tobacco users with Filipino girls occupying the 2nd place and Filipino boys in the 4th place in 2003. The 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that 22% of the Filipino teenagers or 1 in 5 high school students aged 13-15 years currently smoke. This reflects an increase of 30% over the past two years.

Equally alarming is that hundreds of thousends of people who never smoked worldwide die each year from illnesses related to inhalation of other people's tobacco smoke, or what is now termed as second-hand smoke. Studies have shown that exposure for as little as 8 to 20 minutes causes physical reactions linked to heart disease and stroke. The heart rate increases; the heart's oxygen supply decreases; and blood vessels constrict which increases blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Thus, second-hand smoke also causes disease and death in healthy nonsmokers.

A Filipino is dying every 6 minutes due to tobacco-related diseases. The cure for this devastating tobacco epidemic in the country is dependent on concerted actions of people in the community, government and civil societies to encourage people to quit smoking for health reasons and to protect people from exposure to second-hand smoke. Implementing a 100% Smoke-Free Environment in Department of Health's (DOH) central and regional offices, hospitals and attached agencies as well as in all levels of local government units (provincial, city, municipal and barangay) is the start of protecting the population from the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure.

Following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and its corresponding implementing Rules and Regulations, the DOH Administrative Order No. 2009-0010 on the Rules and Regulations Promoting a 100% Smoke-Fee Environment, and the Civil Service Commission's Memorandum Circular No. 17, s. 2009 or the Smoking Prohibition based on 100% Smoke-Free Environment Policy, the DOH RED ORCHID AWARDS 2009 is launched.

77th ANNUAL PPHA CONVENTION

CONGRATULATIONS to CHD-NM CHORALS for placing 3rd. in the national competitions... HURRAY! HURRAY!

HL TO THE MAX 2009

Director Bernadas together with Kagawad Dante Pajo during the 2009 Healthy Lifestyle to the max (HL to max) opening ceremony at Pelaez Sports Center

DUQUE ASSURES 50% PRICE REDUCTION OF 16 MOST EXPENSIVE DRUG MOLECULES BY AUGUST 15

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today announced the list of drugs that will be subjected to 50% voluntary price reduction starting August 15.

The list includes sixteen drug molecules (or 41 drug preparations) that were proposed by various multinational drug companies as an offshoot of the initial meeting and consultation with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last July 8, 2009.

President Arroyo previously asked drug companies to submit their voluntary compliance to a reduction of the initial 21 drugs and medicines that were originally deemed for inclusion in the imposition of the Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP).

“We are very pleased with the fast and encouraging response of the industry to the appeal of government to voluntarily reduce their drug prices by 50%. In fact, we got more than what we bargained for because apart from the original list that we proposed, other drug companies offered voluntary price cuts in some of their leading products,” Duque stated.

Duque revealed that 8 pharmaceutical companies have agreed to also apply voluntary price reduction to 22 other molecules or 31 more products that were not in the MDRP list bringing the total number to 38 drug molecules (or 72 products). These medicines are indicated against hypertension, diabetes, influenza, hypercholesterolemia, cancer, arthritis, goiter, allergies and infections.

“Thus, the additional medicines also served to broaden access to more medicines against more diseases,” Duque stressed. “Today’s show of support and cooperation by a variety of stakeholders from different sectors exemplifies how public-private partnerships can be utilized to broaden access to essential medicines effectively in line with our international commitment to the 8th Millennium Development Goal for Global partnerships,” Duque added.

In a Resolution adopted and approved today by Secretary Duque together with other members of the Advisory Council for Medicine Price Regulation, it was emphasized that the reckoning date for implementing the voluntary price cuts is on August 15, 2009.

“We expect, most of the manufacturers, distributors, traders and retail outlets to comply with this deadline, especially for those with automated systems,” Duque emphasized.

Meanwhile, small and medium-sized drug outlets with manual systems will be given until September 15 to comply with voluntary price reduction to enable them to reconcile and validate their inventories and adjust to the changes in drug prices. However, those that can already implement before this must already comply. After September 15, sanctions will be imposed on non-compliant retailers.

“With this significant price reduction in leading essential products we expect that it will alleviate the burden imposed by criminally-high drug prices on our countrymen particularly the poor. But this is just one measure to widen medicines access for the public. Again we emphasize that there are already available generic drugs in the market that are equally safe and effective but which we can buy at much, much cheaper prices,“ Duque concluded.

The drugs were selected on the basis of their impact in addressing diseases which are of great public health importance in the country, their high price differentials compared to drug prices internationally, lack of market access particularly for the poor and limited competition with their generic counterparts.

ADVISORY ON SUSPENSION OF CLASSES

By; Jun Galban, doh10, Information Offier


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Department of Health Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao today appealed to the parents of students from the schools which suspended classes due to confirmed positive cases of Influenza AH1N1 to observe the mandatory ten (10) days home confinement.

This is to prevent the virus from further spreading within the school campus and the community.

DOH-HD NM Director III Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. issued the appeal after more schools have declared suspension of classes today after receiving the official communication that they have confirmed positive cases of AH1N1 from DOH.

Among the schools who have already declared suspension of classes are Xavier University, Lourdes College, Corpus Christie School, St. Mary's Academy, Rosevale School, Capitol University and Pilgrim Christian College.

Other schools scheduled to suspend classes within this week are Liceo de Cagayan University, Kong Hua School and Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori.

City Central School preferred to implement selective suspension of classes as only the sections with at least 20% of pupils experiening Influenza Like Illness (ILI) symtoms will be suspended.

DOH stressed that the proper interventions should first be implemented prior the suspension of classes such as orientation to the students and parents of the prevention measures against the pandemic flu and the commitment in their part to observe the self quarantine for ten (10) days. (jungalbs)

GOVERNMENT RECEIVES PROPOSALS FROM BIG PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES

From: DOH WebPage

July 18, 2009

At 10am today, July 18, 2009, the Department of Health (DOH) formally received the consolidated undertaking of various pharmaceutical companies to bring down prices of a list of medicines that address major public health concerns such as hypertension, diabetes, common infections, and cancer, among others.

The list was transmitted by the Executive Director Reiner Gloor of the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) where it contained a summary of the medicines being offered and their respective price reductions. It carried the proposals of both PHAP member companies and some non-PHAP members.

The DOH with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are urgently reviewing the said list, validating the prices, identifying any possible inconsistencies, and assessing the practicability of the said undertaking. After the said review and consultation, the DOH and DTI shall jointly make their recommendations to the President whether to accept or reject said submission.

“We take note of the timely submission of the pharmaceutical companies and their commitment to lower medicines prices of their common products by at least 50%,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. “It is good that they met the deadline of the President and that they did not ask for extensions or engaged in any dilatory tactics,” Duque elaborated.

“We are making sure that the 21 molecules are reflected in their proposal and that the price reductions are consistent with the 50% price reduction policy that has been adopted,” stressed Trade Secretary Peter Favila.

In addition to the 21 molecules, the consolidated summary in the letter of undertaking also contained a list of other products offered for voluntary price reductions.

"The Quest for Excellence through FOURmula One"

From: DOH WebPage

DOH-ARMM HEALTH ASSEMBLYDepartment of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Secretary Dr. Tahir Sulaik and ARMM Regional Governor Honorable Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan leads the opening of the first-ever DOH-ARMM Health Assembly held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao on July 14. The Health Assembly aims to upgrade the health conditions of ARMM by reducing maternal and infant mortality, improve health facilities, and provide potable water to all barangays.

NO COLLUSION WITH PHARMA COMPANIES-DUQUE

From: DOH WebPage

NO COLLUSION WITH PHARMA COMPANIES

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, during a press conference held at the DOH on July 13, stressed that there was no collusion made with multinational drug companies. Duque disclosed that the meeting was transparent and that Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) was part of the said consultation meeting. PHAP agreed to voluntary submit a price listing of drugs to be reduced before the government implements a Maximum Drug Retail Price

GOV’T GIVES ULTIMATUM TO DRUG FIRMS TO LOWER PRICES

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/10 July 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today reported that the government, led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, met with multi-national pharmaceutical companies last Wednesday, to hasten the lowering of prices of drugs and medicines under the maximum drug retail price (MDRP) list.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that in the meeting, the President, upon the recommendation of Trade Secretary Peter Favila, directed the companies (whether manufacturing or distributing medicines) to submit their proposals in 10 days of all the drugs and medicines whose prices they would voluntarily lower by at least 50%, including but not limited to the listed medicines under the MDRP.

The President gave such ultimatum to speed up bringing down the prices of medicines and have our people enjoy the benefits of cheaper medicines the earliest possible time. It also serves to challenge these firms to add more medicines to the list of those they are mandated to bring down.” Duque said.

“During our consultations with the different stakeholders including those from industry, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs), consumer groups, academe, and drugstore association, it was clarified that full and effective implementation of the MDRP would take around two (2) to three (3) months. This is due mostly to administrative issues on reconciling inventory, compliance to labeling requirements as accorded by Law (putting the red strip and others) and preventing possible stock-outs of the much needed products in the drugstores. Voluntary compliance for some of these companies will make our people enjoy low cost quality medicines even before the two to three month period.” Duque clarified.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila, on the other hand, emphasized that such undertaking and voluntary compliance by the companies must be formally submitted, signed and must be made in the simplest terms. “We do not want complexities or proposals that require much legal study, we just want them to submit a simple undertaking showing the medicines that they will reduce the prices to at least 50% in the next few weeks.”

The meeting, which was held during the inauguration of the Dr. Eva Macaraeg Macapagal Geriatric Hospital last July 8, was requested by Pfizer. The President was accompanied by Secretary Duque, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Trade Assistant Secretary Ma. Lourdes Baua, Congressman Benny Abante, Congressman Junie Cua and DOH-National Drug Policy Program Manager Dr. Robert Louie So.

The multinational industry, on the other hand, was represented by top management namely Mr. Albert Mateo of Pfizer, Mr. Augusto Villanueva of Roche, Mr. Reiner Gloor of PHAP/Zuellig, Mr. Andrew Santos of Wyeth and Mr. Caloy Realuyo of Sanofi.

In the course of the meeting, the President even called for some common workers and wage earners in the meeting to stress to these companies that it is these people that we need to service.

Secretary Duque said Pfizer raised the issue of lack of consultation in putting up the MDRP list. “I would like to emphasize that there have been lots of consultations made prior to transmittal of the MDRP list for Her Excellency’s approval. At least four advisory council meetings were held where the MDRP was discussed. This advisory council was created as allowed by Section 18 of Republic Act 9502 or the Cheaper Medicine Act to give advice and recommendations on the implementation, policies and enforcement of the law. The multinational and local companies have been well represented in these meetings by Mr. Reiner Gloor, PHAP Executive Director and Mr. Ed Isaac, Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries President. They have been informed of the list even before it was transmitted to the President.” Duque said.

“Let us remember that local drug prices for many multinational products are priced from 2 to 10 times higher than prices of the same brands abroad. With these initiatives, Amlodipine, for example should now only be Php 22 from Php 44, Metronidazole suspension should only be at least 65 pesos from 112 pesos. And there are more on the list. We want to speed up bringing down these drug prices in a way that our countrymen will benefit the soonest.” Duque stressed.

Update 54 - WHO Commends DOH for Anti-A(H1N1) Efforts, Adopts Weekly Reporting System of Cases as Recommended by WHO

From: DOH WebPage

9 July 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today expressed gratitude to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the commendation it gave to the government agency for its swift and tireless efforts in dealing with the novel virus A (H1N1).

The WHO letter dated June 30, 2009 and signed by WHO Regional Director Dr. Shin Young-soo put on record “my personal appreciation of the exceptional collaboration established between the Government of the Philippines and the World Health Organization in the fight against Pandemic H1N1 2009. I commend your leadership and tireless efforts in responding to this emerging threat to the health of the people of the Philippines”.

“We are very grateful that our efforts were recognized and didn’t go to waste. We appreciate that the WHO finds our response efficient and that it is confident on the quality of our laboratory diagnoses,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The WHO letter further said that “Contact tracing has also been thorough, allowing the DOH to detect further cases and slow down the spread of the virus. The efficiency of the response indicated to me that the Philippines has the fundamental capacity to detect and respond to the new influenza virus. I should add that WHO is also confident about the quality of the laboratory diagnoses carried out by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and about the epidemiological activities conducted by the National Epidemiology Center (NEC)”.

Meanwhile, Duque also said that the Philippines, as a member country of the WHO, will now be adopting the WHO recommended changes in the reporting of A (H1N1) cases.

According to the WHO, for countries already experiencing community-wide transmission, the focus of A (H1N1) surveillance activities must shift to reporting against the established indicators for the monitoring of seasonal influenza activity. Those countries are no longer required to submit regular reports of individual laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths to the WHO.

“The WHO will no longer be issuing global table updates that show the number of confirmed cases for all countries but will instead continue to document the global spread with updates describing the situation in newly affected countries,” Duque said.

The WHO said that as the pandemic evolves, the data needed for risk assessment are also changing and that at this point, its further spread is considered inevitable. It said that the increasing numbers of cases in many countries with sustained community transmission is making it extremely difficult to confirm them through laboratory testing.

Because the DOH is set to abide by the newly recommended reporting system of WHO for A (H1N1), it is now reviewing and adjusting its surveillance systems to fit the monitoring of the novel virus in its regular surveillance of Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the country.

Duque stressed that globally and locally, the novel virus has caused mild illness in the majority of affected patients with expected full recovery even without medical treatment. However, there are some cases that become serious especially if the patients have underlying pre-medical conditions. Like the other seasonal flu strains, A (H1N1) can cause severe viral pneumonias and other flu complications” Duque said.

“So, again, we are urging the public to be more vigilant in guarding their health against A (H1N1) despite its generally mild clinical manifestations in most of the cases reported in the country,” Duque stressed.

The Secretary said that such highly vulnerable conditions include uncontrolled diabetes, frank cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic liver and kidney disease. He added that those who are organ transplant recipients, immunocompromised, and suffering from other infections like HIV/AIDs and TB; pregnant women and the very young and the elderly are more at risk of developing serious cases of A (H1N1).
“We are stressing this point because of the first previously reported case of death in the country involving a patient with an incidental finding of A (H1N1). We now have to be more aggressive in targeting segments of patients with a high vulnerability to fatal flu complications,” Duque pointed out.

“We want to make it clear that high-risk groups, once they have the flu symptoms, should immediately go to their doctor. They should not wait for their symptoms to worsen because they are prone to many other infections such as our seasonal flu strains,” Duque clarified.

“We also advise parents and guardians to seek immediate professional help if they see danger signs in children and other family members which indicate rapid progression of the disease or a worsening of symptoms. Likewise healthcare providers should stick to the basic protocol of managing acute respiratory infections among children by being vigilant of these danger signs which include rapid breathing, excessive drowsiness, poor intake or dehydration. In adults, chest pain, prolonged fever or labored breathing should prompt warnings to see a doctor,” Duque reminded the public.
Meanwhile, Duque advised the public to continue following the recommendations of the DOH on proper handwashing, cough etiquette, and other hygiene practices.

“The best defense against A (H1N1) and other diseases is to boost your immune system. Most people can fight off this virus without special medications or hospitalization. You can stay at home and take supportive care like plenty of fluids, vitamins and bed rest,” Duque stressed.

In this connection, Duque strongly advised the public to be vigilant over advertisements or fraudulent sales promotion practices of food supplements, vitamins or other products that create an erroneous impression that the product concerned could cure or treat the A (H1N1) virus.

“It must be stressed that to date, there are no food supplements, vitamins or vaccines that cure or treat the novel virus,” Duque stressed.

“We are warning manufacturers and distributors of these products that any claim in their advertisements that it can cure or treat A (H1N1) can be an outright violation of Section 112 of the Republic Act No. 7394 (The Consumer Act of the Philippines), Bureau Circular 2007-002 (The Guidelines in the Use of Nutrition and Health Claims in Food), and Republic Act No. 3720 (Violating the Misbranding Provisions),” Duque said.

“We are encouraging the public to report to the Bureau of Food and Drugs (at 809-4390 local 1051) any advertisement or fraudulent sales promotion practices involving the above-mentioned products that create an erroneous impression that it could prevent, cure or treat the novel virus,” Duque concluded.

Update 53 - Duque Orders DOH to Bolster Mitigation Efforts Against A (H1N1)

Update 53 - Duque Orders DOH to Bolster Mitigation Efforts Against A (H1N1)

From: DOH Webpage

01 July 2009

H1N1 UPDATE NO. 53
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today reported that the Department of Health (DOH) is further bolstering its mitigation efforts against Influenza A(H1N1) in light of the anticipated rise of cases in the country.

On June 30, Duque convened another DOH Command Conference attended by members of the A (H1N1) Task Force, the DOH regional health directors, the chiefs of hospitals of all the 72 DOH-retained hospitals in the country, and some representatives from the private sector.

“As we anticipate more cases in the coming months, we must institute effective mitigation measures to save lives and prevent deaths and to reduce the impact of the pandemic to our nation and the economy,” Duque said.

With the shift toward the mitigation strategy, the DOH is ensuring that all government hospitals, both at the national and local government levels have the capacity to administer care to high-risk patients where the severe manifestations of the A (H1N1) virus are frequently seen. This is in accordance with the directives of President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo last week to prepare well-equipped isolation wards in all state-run hospitals throughout the country.

High risk patients include patients with preexisting medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, HIV/AIDs, TB, pregnant women and the very young and the elderly.

Duque also called for a meeting with the member agencies of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to engage them, particularly the DILG, in strengthening the involvement of local government units in the A (H1N1) response. This is to make sure that local governments have surveillance, monitoring and response systems in place and that hospitals and primary health care facilities under their jurisdiction are able to identify, treat and manage A (H1N1) cases.

“We have also requested the NDCC member agencies, especially DepEd, CHED and TESDA and PIA to help us in our nationwide campaign against A (H1N1). This is to make sure that our information and education activities reach all schools, barangays and provinces in the country,” Duque added.

Come next week, DOH is also set to meet with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and hospital groups like the Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) and the Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society (PHICS) to engage all hospitals and healthcare providers in the appropriate treatment and management of A (H1N1) patients according to the set interim guidelines of the DOH.

Meanwhile, Duque announced that 1,709 confirmed A (H1N1) cases have been reported to the DOH from the 1st week of May up to June 27, 2009. Eighty-six percent (86%) or 1,485 of these cases have already recovered, while the remaining 224 (14%) are still under treatment at present, most of them under home management.

“All cases exhibited mild symptoms with the most common as fever (86%), cough (81%), and nasal congestion (49%),” Duque said, noting however, that there was one reported death.

“The ages of cases range from 5 months to 79 years old, with 18 years old as median age. Most of them belonged to the 10-19 years age group (831 or 49%). Majority of the cases were male (894 or 52%),” Duque described.

Duque disclosed that of the 1,709 reported cases, 1,568 (92%) were Filipinos; the rest were American (with 17), Japanese (8), Chine (4), Korean (3), German (2), and one each from Australia, Canada, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Sweden, Thailand, and Turkey.

“Two hundred and eighty-five cases (17%) had history of travel to a country which has reported A (H1N1) cases. Most came from the USA, China, Japan and Singapore,” Duque noted.

Duque said that as far as the geographic profile of the 1,709 cases is concerned the National Capital Region has the most number of patients: comprising 72% (1,225). Cases from NCR mostly came from Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque, Pasig and Makati.

The three other regions that reported the most number of cases were: Regions IV-A, III and VIII.

As far as the global report is concerned, the World Health Organization, as of June 29, has recorded 70,893 cases with 311 deaths from 109 reporting countries.

DALAW BARANGAY NI DUQUE VS, DENGUE

From: DOH WebPage

DUQUE VS. DENGUEHealth Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on Tuesday said, "The Department of Health is now into an aggressive year-round, all-out war against dengue as more cases are expected this year than the previous year.” Duque also urged the residents of Payatas B to strictly follow the 4-S campaign of the DOH against dengue. (1 July 2009, Payatas B, Quezon City)