BE RESPONSIBLE, KNOW YOUR RISKS, GET TESTED FOR HIV --- DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release / 11 December 2009

Give your loved ones the best gift this holiday season: faithfulness and willpower to turn away from risky and harmful vices and behaviors.

The 2009 Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serological Surveillance (IHBSS) revealed today that the number of Filipinos afflicted with HIV/AIDS especially among high risk populations is steadily growing. Further, the Department of Health (DOH) said that the risk for HIV/AIDS will continue if advocacy efforts to avert the increase of this disease will not be intensified. Latest data said that most of the cases were due to unprotected sex and injecting drug use of persons who may have harmed others unknowingly.

“The threat is real. An individual is like a walking time bomb that may explode and spread the virus to others, cause deaths especially if he or she doesn’t know his or her HIV status while engaging in high risk behaviors.” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that although the number of new HIV infections has dropped by 17% globally since 2001, the number of new cases here in the country has increased by 334%.

The 2009 IHBSS report disclosed that the overall prevalence of cases in the most at risk populations (MARPs) is 530 per 100,000 population. It also revealed the following figures: men having sex with men – 1,050/100,000; freelance female sex workers – 540/100,000; registered female sex workers – 230/100,000; and injecting drug users – 210/100,000.

“These figures are far high compared to the numbers that the 2007 IHBSS has yielded,” Duque said.

The 2007 IHBSS reported the following figures: overall prevalence in MARPs– 99 per 100,000 population; men having sex with men – 280/100,000; freelance female sex workers – 44/100,000; registered female sex workers – 68/100,000; and injecting drug users – 130/100,000.

“The number of infected persons in the Philippines is growing and the infection is spreading fast in most-at-risk populations such as freelance female sex workers, men having sex with men, and injecting drug users, among others. We have to stop the spread and gain control of the situation,” Duque said.

“Although HIV and AIDS do not discriminate and anyone can get infected including unborn babies, we have groups that are more at risk than others because of behaviors that include unprotected vaginal and anal sex, multiple sex partners and re-use of needles and syringes while injecting drugs, to name some,” Duque said.

The Secretary said that to prevent the spread of the virus, the DOH is determined to boost its information drive and strengthen its prevention program and services against HIV/AIDS.

“But the efforts of DOH alone are not enough. The DOH will need the help of other sectors, other agencies of government, the LGUs, civic society and individuals and communities. All of us have a responsibility and role in stopping this disease,” Duque said.

The Philippine HIV/AIDS Registry reported that for October 2009, 80 new HIV cases have been confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory. This was a 36% increase compared to the same period last year (59 in 2008). This brought the total of cases for 2009 to 626. Four (4) of these new cases were reported as AIDS. There was no death reported for the month of October.

The cumulative number of HIV cases from 1984 to October this year is 4,218, of which 828 have become AIDS. Of the 828 cases, 314 have already died. The most common mode of transmission was sexual contact (3,798 out of 4,218), while the least common was through mother-to-child transmission (49/4,218).

NOTE: For further inquiries on the 2009 IHBSS data, please call Dr. Eric Tayag at 09178554257; for prevention program and services, please call Dr. Gerard Belimac at 09159402115.

NUMBER OF NEWBORN DEATHS TO DROP SOON --- DOH

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) expects a sharp cut on infant deaths in the future as it launched the Essential Newborn Care (ENC) Protocol today.

“We believe that this protocol will pave the way for the solution on the problems we have on neonatal deaths. We are very positive that its adoption will directly reduce the count of newborn deaths in the country,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

Health authorities said that the Philippines is one of the 42 countries in the world where 90% of all global deaths of under 5 year old children are accounted to.

“Although childhood death rates in the country showed a downward trend from 1993 to 2003, the decline slowed down in the last 10 years,” Duque said, noting that the under five mortality rate decreased to only 32 per 1000 livebirths in 2003 from 52 per 1,000 livebirths in 1988.

“The infant mortality and child death rates have also exhibited similar trend over the same period,” the health chief noted.

Secretary Duque said that neonatal and post-neonatal deaths declined the slowest over the past 20 years with the reduction of only 9 percent and 7 percent, respectively, from 1988 to 2003.

“Our analysis showed that 50% of these deaths occur during the first 2 days of life with the following as causes: birth asphyxia (31%), complications of prematurity (30%) and severe infection (19%),” Duque explained.

“Now, we are launching this Protocol, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, to help solve this newborn mortality problem because if it is not reduced by at least half, the goal of reducing childhood mortality by two thirds by 2015 would not be met,” Duque said. The Medium Development Goal target is 6 per 1000 livebirths by 2015.

Secretary Duque explained that ENC is a comprehensive strategy to improve the health of the newborn through interventions before conception during pregnancy, at and soon after birth, and in the postnatal period.

“But for this Protocol, we are focusing on the 1st few hours of life of the newborn with the manual guiding the health workers and medical practitioners in providing evidence-based essential newborn care,” Duque said.

The health chief said that the guidelines categorize procedures into time-bound, non-time bound, and unnecessary procedures.

“Time bound interventions should be routinely performed first and include: immediate drying, skin to skin contact followed by clamping of the cord after 1 to 3 minutes, non-separation of the newborn from the mother, and breastfeeding initiation,” Secretary Duque said.

The health chief said that non-time bound interventions include immunizations, eye care, Vitamin K administration, weighing and washing.

“There are also the so-called unnecessary procedures and these include routine suctioning, routine separation of newborns for observation, administration of prelacteals like glucose water or formula, and footprinting,” Secretary Duque said.

The health chief signed the new Protocol as the government launched the UNANG YAKAP Campaign today.

RP TO RECEIVE H1N1 VACCINES FROM WHO

From: DOH WebPage

The Philippine government will soon receive H1N1 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO) after the two parties signed an agreement yesterday and presented the document to Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier today.

The said agreement stipulates that the government will ensure its registration and authorize its use; commit to its appropriate and ethical use; handle its importation, customs clearance and distribution; and notify WHO of occurrence of any unexpected adverse events.

The endowment, according to WHO Director General Margaret Chan, is part of WHO’s pledge to make the distribution equitable and fair to developing countries and poor and vulnerable populations once it becomes available.

The WHO made this commitment during the 60th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in September this year where WHO said that its donations coming from more developed countries and pharmaceuticals will be enough to cover 10% of the population of the developing world.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) disclosed that the first deliveries of the vaccines shall be given to health care providers.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that these medical personnel are at higher risk of getting the disease than ordinary people due to the larger probability of exposure, plus they may also unknowingly transmit the infections to their families and other patients with other illnesses.

Duque said that the next in the priority list are pregnant women because they have 10x the risk of needing intensive care if infected compared to the general population; people aged 6 months to 59 years old with chronic medical conditions; children five years old and below and adults who are beyond 60 years old (healthy or otherwise) because they are considered to be at highest risk of severe infection; and lastly, the remainder of the population.

The health chief stressed that the vaccination is free of charge and will only be given to those who will volunteer to be immunized against the novel virus.

Duque said that the WHO estimates that it will be able to obtain donations and funding for procurement of at least 200 million vaccines in the first year, which will be enough to cover 10% of the population of the developing world.

“But of course, we cannot afford to just sit and wait for it. Therefore, we are now making our best efforts to procure on our own,” the health chief said, emphasizing that the DOH has already allocated P100 million for it this year.

We have to understand, however, the reality that because the global manufacturing capacity is limited, supplies may be initially inadequate and not readily be augmented,” Duque explained.

The government also expressed its gratefulness to the WHO for its continuous health assistance to the victims of the three consecutive typhoons and tropical storms that hit the country recently.

WHO also responded to the request of the DOH to send a team of experts from the WHO Global Outbreak and Alert Response Network (GOARN) to assess the leptospirosis outbreak in the country and to help improve the country’s post-disaster surveillance and disease outbreak control and response efforts.

“We laud the WHO for its steady collaborative partnership with the Philippine government in mounting a coordinated and integrated health sector response to many disease challenges in the country especially in times of disasters. Our country is grateful,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said.

TATAK PGH PLUS PROJECT

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (right) and Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Director Dr. Carmelo Alfiler (left) recently forged an agreement dubbed as “Tatak PGH Plus Project” for the pilot networking of the Las Piñas General Hospital for capacity-building, skills transfer and empowerment activity. Under the said Memorandum of Agreement, PGH’s well-known best practices and successful initiatives will be shared with other hospitals’ medical, nursing, paramedical and administrative staff. To date, there are now some 25,000 trainees and patients who have participated in the modules and missions, or an average of nearly 2,000 per hospital as originally envisioned. Also in photo are UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Ramon Arcadio and Ms. Paz Corrales from the Center for Health Development –Metro Manila. (18 November 2009, DOH-OSEC)

THERE ARE NO SAFE FIRECRAKERS OR FIREWORKS --- DOH

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today strongly advised parents not to allow children to use firecrackers or fireworks whether of the legal or illegal kind.

“These devices are not toys and are very dangerous, especially in the hands of innocent children,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said. “We recommend a ban on the use of these devices in residential areas and encourage local authorities to designate an area where fireworks could be lighted, displayed and handled by professionals or those who are trained in using explosive devices,” he added.

Health authorities said that the top 5 firecrackers that caused the most injuries in 2008 were (1) piccolo, (2) kwitis, (3) 5-star, (4) luces and (5) home-made or altered firecrackers.

“Piccolo, an illegal firecracker, continued to be the number one cause of injury during the last holiday season and it did not only cause minor injuries but also severe ones like the ruptured eyeball of a boy in Bicol,” Duque disclosed.

He explained that the public should always be cautious and not to regard the legal fireworks as safe because Kwitis and Luces, both legal fireworks, were No. 2 and No. 4 in the list.

“The seemingly harmless Luces can burn up to 1093 ºC (2000 ºF) or 10 times the boiling point of water,” Duque said.

Duque also disclosed that the top 5 Firecrackers causing “Blast Burn with Amputation” were (1) Home-made or Altered Firecrackers, (2) 5-star, (3) camara, (4) rebentador, (5) and whistle bomb.

DOH records show that Watusi, long considered as illegal, continued to sneak in the market and caused two cases of injuries this year. The youngest case was a 9-month old girl from Tondo, Manila who was left unattended in the house by her parents while an elder sibling played with Watusi. She was brought to the Philippine General Hospital for treatment.

The second case was a 31 year-old male from Rodriguez, Rizal with a history of psychiatric treatment. He allegedly ingested 2 boxes of Watusi. He was brought to East Avenue Medical Center for treatment. Both patients survived.

Health authorities said that there is also a significant increase in the number of stray bullet incidents caused by the indiscriminate firing of guns. These were reported in the two regions in Mindanao with no previous records.

ON-LINE REGISTRY

To further improve coordination among agencies and health facilities involved in injury prevention, the DOH is introducing the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - an internet-based system that allows health facilities to report fireworks injury cases.

The 2008 Fireworks Injury Surveillance Report gathered by the DOH National Epidemiology Center recorded an all-time low in the total injuries reported compared to the previous four years' report.

Duque said that the 733 injuries reported from December 21, 2008 to January 5, 2009, is 280 (28%) cases lower than the previous four-year average, and 136 (16%) cases lower than the 2007 report.

The National Capital Region had the highest proportion of cases reported with 451 (61%) cases, followed by Western Visayas with 86 (12%) cases, and the Ilocos region with 58 (8%) cases.

The ages of cases ranged from 8 months old to 76 years old. Majority (594 or 81% cases) were males. A total of 261 (36%) cases were 10 years old or younger. However, the number of persons in each age group declined substantially, especially the 6 - 10 and the 11 - 15 age groups when compared to the previous year.

“We have total injuries of 714 (97%) cases which were fireworks-related, 17 (2%) cases were stray-bullet injuries and 2 (0.28%) cases were Watusi/firecracker powder ingestion”, Duque noted.

“The top three body parts which sustained most injuries were the hands with 277 (38%) cases, lower extremities with 130 (185) cases and head and neck with 103 (14%) cases. Most of the injured were discharged after initial treatment in the Emergency Room”, he added.

“The lone fatality reported, a 28 year-old mother from Cotabato City was a victim of stray bullet. That is why we should be vigilant in reporting indiscriminate gun-firing incidents during the holiday season to prevent this unnecessary and fatal events”, Duque lamented.

Meanwhile, there were no injury from organized public display nor tetanus due to fireworks injuries reported for 2008.

A total of 50 sentinel hospitals participated in the surveillance conducted for injuries resulting from fireworks use, stray bullet from indiscriminate firing, and watusi/firecracker powder ingestion related to the Yuletide celebration. The participating sentinel hospitals were located in the National Capital Region (29), Luzon (11), Visayas (5) and Mindanao (5).

Manual for Medical Social Workers

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III (3rd from left), during the ceremonial launching of the Manual for Medical Social Workers fifth edition, where he lauded the country’s medical social workers because of their rigorous work in addressing social inequities and are also pushing boundaries towards ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare. Duque also disclosed that medical social workers in our health facilities are a vital provision in order to turn our goal of “Health For All Filipinos” a reality. Also in photo from left are Dr. Criselda Abesamis, DOH Director for National Center for Health Facility Development, DOH League of Social Workers’ President Ms. Lucille Arvesu, and Ms. Madeliene Gabriel Doromal, DOH Development Management Officer and Medical Social Adviser.

PROCUREMENT OF FLU-TESTING MACHINES BY RITM UNDER INVESTIGATION – DOH

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today disclosed that the allegedly anomalous flu-testing machine deal exposed by a labor group over the weekend is already being investigated by the agency since August this year.

“We are not clueless about it and, as a matter of fact, the DOH has already started its investigation as early as August when the Filipino-owned firm Macare complained about it. It is now being investigated by our Integrity Development Committee (IDC),” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that the DOH-IDC is investigating the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and all its officials and personnel, including its director, Dr. Remigio Olveda, who were involved in the procurement of the said flu-testing machines.

Secretary Duque said that it is not correct to blame the DOH regarding this alleged anomalous transaction because although the RITM is under the wings of the DOH, like all state-owned hospitals, it has its own procuring entity.

“Because it has autonomy to transact financially, the RITM and its officials went on with this business deal all by themselves. Now, with the DOH-IDC on board investigating them, I am positive that we will soon know all the details behind this,” Duque said.

“It is too soon and premature for everyone to allege any anomaly. We have already started the investigation and we assure the public that there will be no sacred cows in this investigation and I will let the ax fall on the guilty person, whoever he might be,” Duque said.

The health chief said that if found guilty, RITM officials will face suspension, dismissal or whatever forms of punishment the IDC deems fit.

Flu-testing machines, although of a different type from Roche’s are used by the RITM and three other laboratories to confirm suspect A(H1N1) cases.

12TH NHSM - "BRIDGING TO FUTURE HEALTH REFORMS"

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Duque, during his opening remarks at the recent 12th National Health Sector Meeting, ponders on his vision of health reforms in the Philippines that would attempt to overcome the challenges of unfair and inequitable access to health care for all Filipinos. Duque also thanked the whole Department of Health family, donors, and all DOH attached agencies for their dedication and support over the past several years of his leadership.
“The last two years have been phenomenal and historic, with the passage of two major legislation- the Universally, Accessible, Affordable Quality Medicines Act Of 2008 and the FDA Law of 2009- both testaments to our moral responsibility to our citizens to provide them with the drugs and medicines that they need as a matter of human right”, Duque said.
He also stressed that the two equally important laws represents an opportunity for him as a government official to show that there are rooms for changes and exercise the highest political will, so that cure and better quality of life are not a privilege of the few but a freedom available for all.

DOH-WHO VISITS MUNTINLUPA EVACUATION SITE

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and World Health Organization Director for Western Pacific Region Dr. Shin Young-Soo recently visited Muntinllupa Elementary School in Barangay Poblacion to distribute doxycycline capsules to prevent leptospirosis complications. Duque and Dr. Young-Soo also conducted massive information dissemination campaign to prevent other diseases common in evacuation centers.

LEPTO ALERT GLOBAL RESPONSE

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III accompanies the World Health Organization expert team on leptospirosis control headed by Dr. Shin Young –soo (WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific) and Dr. Soe Nyunt-U (WHO Country Representative to the Phil.) during their visit on Wednesday (October 28, 2009) to flooded areas in Calamba, Laguna. The team, whose members are drawn from the Global Outbreak Alerts and Response Network (GOARN), will be assisting the Philippine government by providing technical assessment and assistance in the surveillance, epidemiological and clinical care of those who fall sick from the disease. The GOARN team will cover parts of Pangasinan, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon where a heightened alert was declared after the extensive flooding caused by tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng. The Department of Health remains on heightened alert against further outbreak of leptospirosis. As of October 27, a total of 181,932 individuals have been given prophylaxis (for NCR: Marikina-56, 426 persons; Malabon-2,364; Quezon City-25,916; Taguig-19,224; Pateros-4,116; Parañaque-12,166; Pasay-5,948; Muntinlupa-3,533; and Pasig-1,417; for Region IVA: Rizal-19,608; and Laguna-7,652. The DOH also distributed 1.8 million capsules of doxycycline.

FDA LAUNCHES HOTLINE FOR DRUG COMPLAINTS OR PROBLEMS

From: DOH Webpage

Press Release/27 October 2009

Any complaints on the drug you’re taking?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH) launched today a hotline for reporting any complaints of drugs sold in the country.

Consumers may now report to the FDA any complaint or problem with their medicines to telephone # 807-8275, or text 090... or 0909-2080500, or email at ireport@bfad.gov.ph. Reports may also be made through the Bantay Gamot Report Forms available in most drugstores.

“In this age of globalization, consumerism, free trade, and increasing use of the internet, the ordinary person now has easy access to different drugs and medicines. Combine this with the penchant for self-medication and the need to improve the drug dispensing practices of our pharmacists and we have a potentially harmful situation where drug safety is questioned,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III declared.

To address this situation, the FDA came up with the Medicines Surveillance Integrating Consumer Reporting Project in the National Capital Region which aims to educate consumers on the proper use of drugs and increase consumer awareness as to where to report complaints or problems with their medicines.

Previously, the FDA has received consumer reports that led to the detection of substandard drug preparations, adverse drug reactions and counterfeit medicines.

“These reports involved illegal business operation practices, such as operating without a license or a registered pharmacist, unlawful dispensing of drugs in the absence of a pharmacist, selling of unregistered drug products, or expired drugs, or suspected counterfeit drugs,” Duque explained.

Other reports were about errors in drug dispensing, common side effects of medicines, lack of drug efficacy, false claims of food supplements, and quality defects,” the health chief added.

“All reports will be treated as confidential and shall be analyzed and investigated following FDA protocol.” Duque assured.

In case of complaints against any drug, the caller may give his name, address, and contact numbers; however, in case of adverse drug reactions, the caller will be asked to give this information and other clinical data as needed.

“The FDA is committed to guard efficiently our nation’s drug supply and advocates patient care to protect the right to health of every Filipino,” Duque concluded.

DUQUE, BAYUGO DISTRIBUTES DOXICYCLINE IN SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III distributes doxicycline capsules to residents of Barangay Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna where about 25,000 residents are still submerged in floodwater due to typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. Duque urged local government to help provide medicines to flooded residents in order to prevent Leptospirosis, which in severe stage leads to death. Assisting Duque is CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Gerry Bayugo.

DOH INKS MOA WITH PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO TREAT LEPTOSPIROSIS CASE

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with 5 PhilHealth-accredited private medical facilities where the government can refer leptospirosis patients that state hospitals can no longer accommodate. The DOH, through the MOA, will subsidize the financial requirements of patients that it will refer to these hospitals.

“The sudden upsurge of leptospirosis cases after the massive flooding caused by tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng brought us to a situation where we need to get into special arrangements with medical facilities from the private sector to help the government treat patients, especially the non-PhilHealth member indigents. So, with this subsidy package for leptospirosis we aim to cover all those who needed medical attention but cannot afford to due to financial constraints,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The five private-owned medical facilities that signed the MOA today are: Capitol Medical Center, MCU-F.D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Los Baños Doctors Hospital, and The Medical City.

The other hospitals that have also expressed support are: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Delos Santos-STI Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Fe Del Mundo Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Dr. Jesus Delgado Memorial Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

The health chief said that under the DOH subsidy package, patients with an uncomplicated case is entitled to P5,000, while the one with complicated one will get P20,000.

“But patients cannot just go to these private hospitals and avail of this treatment package because only those that will be referred by DOH hospitals due to congestion will be accommodated by our pre-identified referral private facilities,” Duque explained.

Under this MOA, the DOH and its hospitals shall make appropriate referral of patients to the participating hospitals for medical treatment. It shall also pay for every referred indigent patient based on the agreed package.

On the other hand, the participating hospitals must be equipped with hemo and peritoneal dialysis, intensive care units and ventilator capabilities. They should also set up a special ward and allot additional beds in anticipation of referrals, among other obligations.

SEVERE LEPTO CASE AT EAMC

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III checks the condition of a 38-year old leptospirosis patient from Bagong Silang, Quezon City. Said patient has already undergone his fifth dialysis treatment as a result of leptospirosis complication. As of October 19, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) has 267 leptospirosis cases, with about 23 immediately needing dialysis. Most of these patients came from Quezon City, Rizal, Marikina, Caloocan, and Pasig. Also in photo is EAMC Hospital Director Dr. Roland Cortez.

LEPTOSPIROSIS INCREASING IN METRO

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally checking the health conditions of patients afflicted with leptospirosis at the San Lazaro Hospital. Duque observed that the number of admissions of female and children with leptospirosis in submerged areas is increasing. As of October 17, the Department of Health has recorded a total of 1,665 leptospirosis cases and 104 deaths in 15 hospitals in Metro Manila. Leptospirosis’ signs and symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, and yellowing of the skin. All suspected cases are advised to seek medical consultation immediately to prevent complications.

DUQUE DECLARES LEPTO OUTBREAK

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today during a press conference (16 October 2009) declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in the barangays of Tumana, Malanday, and Concepcion I in Marikina. Duque revealed that a mass administration of prophylaxis against leptospirosis will be immediately provided to affected population. He also warned the public not to wade in flood waters and to use protective boots in order to prevent leptospirosis, and other diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis. Leptospirosis is usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with urine of infected animals. The disease’s signs and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In extreme cases, jaundice, abdominal pain, and kidney damage may result.

RELIEF EFFORTS

From: DOH WebPage

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on 13 October 2009 distributed assorted medicines, water containers, hyposol, drinking water and packs of relief goods to residents of Dagupan City affected by typhoon Pepeng. Duque also warned on the rising cases of leptospirosis as some barangays in the area still remain submerged in floodwater. Latest statistics disclose that there are now 812 cases of leptospirosis from January 1 up to October 12. This figure is 5.3% higher than last year for the same period. Most of the cases came from National Capital Region (46%), Western Visayas (17%), and Bicol region (5%). Majority of cases were male (91%).

DOH WARNS PUBLIC ON LEPTOSPIROSIS AFTER THE FLOOD

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today warned the public against leptospirosis as it noted a spike in the number of cases from 9 private and government hospitals in Metro Manila after tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng struck the country one after the other recently.

“With the recent spate of flooding in the different areas of the country, we expect cases of leptospirosis to rise after two weeks and it is still best to be aware of the symptoms and seek early treatment of the disease,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III explained.

As of October 12, the DOH recorded 383 cases from the East Avenue Medical Center (69 cases), Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (1), Manila Doctor’s Hospital (10), The Medical City (70), National Kidney and Transplant Institute (28), Quirino Memorial Medical Center (18), Philippine General Hospital (17), Rizal Medical Center (13), and the San Lazaro Hospital (157).

“This is a cause for concern since this surge in cases being reported by only 9 Metro Manila hospitals already represents about half of last year’s annual figures when we reported 769 total cases”, Duque said.

Leptospirosis is caused by swallowing the bacteria directly from water, absorbing it through cuts in the skin, or through food. Although the disease is commonly associated with rat urine, infection can also come from animals like cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and wild animals. The bacteria live in freshwater and are killed immediately by heat, disinfectant, acids and alkalis.

The disease’s incubation period is seven to 12 days after exposure. Symptoms may appear suddenly as early as four days after exposure, or as late as 21 days. Common signs and symptoms are flu-like and include fever, a red skin rash and general weakness. Headaches, reaction to light, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, and fatigue are also common. Incubation period may last up to a month. Death may also occur.

“We strongly advise anyone who had a history of wading in the recent floods and who has the symptoms of the disease to consult at once at the nearest doctor or health facility for treatment”, the health chief said.

Duque also said that anyone working in flood water should protect any broken skin by using boots and preventing flood water from entering their mouth. All drinking water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least five minutes and preferably up to 20 minutes, according to the World Health Organization’s guidelines.

“Protect food and drinking water from contamination, fresh vegetables and fruit should be washed in clean water first before cooking or peeling”, he concluded.

COME HELL OR HIGH WATER- DOH ON THE GO

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health medical team headed by Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Gerry Bayugo, recently conducted a relief and medical mission in isolated Bgy. San Juan in Taytay Rizal, which was severely damaged by typhoon Ondoy. Using a rubber boat, Duque visited several households and gave vitamin A and measles vaccine to all susceptible children. He also warned residents of the possible diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid, respiratory ailments, and skin diseases that may occur as a result of the flooding. (9 October 2009, Taytay Rizal)

VITAMIN A TO PREVENT INFECTION

From: DOH WebPage


Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally administers vitamin A to four-year old Mac Bryan Cortel at the ULTRA evacuation center in Pasig City, where more than 500 families are presently seeking refuge from the devastation brought by typhoon ‘Ondoy”. Duque strongly urged all evacuees to practice personal, as well as environmental hygiene, in order to prevent transmission of diseases. (8 October 2009)

HEALTH CHECK

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally checking the health conditions of evacuees devastated by Typhoon Ondoy. In order to prevent diseases in evacuation centers, Duque urges everyone to practice good personal hygiene like boiling water use for cooking and drinking, washing hands with soap and water before and after eating and after using the toilet, using toilet facilities/portalets for one’s personal needs, using protective clothing to avoid dengue, and to breastfeed every child because mother’s milk provides complete nutrition and that water in evacuation sites is usually unsafe. (5 October 2009, Taguig City)

WHO BACKS DOH OVER BAN ON MILK PRODUCTS FOR ONDOY CHILDREN

From: DOH WebPage

MANILA, 2 October 2009—The World Health Organization (WHO) today applauded the Philippines Department of Health for its efforts to prevent donations of milk products to infants and young children sheltering in evacuation centres in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy.

In a statement, WHO said donations of infant formula and other powdered milk products, while well-meaning, endanger children’s lives. It was a misconception that in emergencies, many mothers could no longer breastfeed adequately due to stress or inadequate nutrition.

Dr Howard Sobel, acting WHO Representative, explained: "Stress is not likely to inhibit breast-milk production, provided mothers and infants remain together and are supported to breastfeed. Mothers who lack food or who are malnourished can still breastfeed adequately. Adequate fluids and extra food for the mother will help to sustain her health and well-being."

During emergency situations, the need for nutrition to maintain health increases, but structural damage caused by flooding jeopardizes clean water supplies, Dr Sobel said. "Contaminated water supplies increase the risk of water borne diseases. Diarrhoea, other infectious diseases and under-nutrition skyrocket. The younger the infant, the higher the risk."

Even in the absence of crises, an estimated 82,000 children die every year before their fifth birthday in the Philippines. Half of these deaths are related to common infectious diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, neonatal sepsis and measles. Malnutrition lies at the root of many of these conditions.

Exclusive breastfeeding is the single best way to avoid diarrhoea and other diseases, Dr Sobel said. Under normal circumstances, infants who are not breastfed are four times more likely to die from pneumonia and 14 times more likely to die from diarrhoea, than infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Breastfeeding continues to benefit children up to two years of age or beyond.

Breastmilk protects against infection through a complete complement of antibodies, immunological stimulating proteins, and nourishing vitamins. It provides the right amount of energy to further protect against malnutrition.

The WHO/UNICEF Global Infant and Young Feeding Strategy recommends that infants start breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continue breastfeeding exclusively (with no food or liquid other than breast milk, not even water) until six months of age. This policy applies in emergency situations. After six months, infants should begin to receive a variety of foods, while breastfeeding continues up to two years of age or beyond.

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For more information, please contact:

DR HOWARD SOBEL

Acting WHO Representative

in the Philippines

Tel. Nos.: +632 528 9768; 338 7479

Email: sobelh@wpro.who.int ; who.phl@wpro.who.int