MAKULAY NA PASKO SA CHD-NORTHERN MINDANAO

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CHD-NM Christmas Party with the theme: Makulay na Pasko sa CHD-NM (Regional Health Office Region-X)

During the Christmas Party of CHD-Northern Mindanao held December 22, 2010, at the DOH-X quadrangle, Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas, Regional Director, handed the Php500, 000 check to the winning most functional Federated Barangay Health Workers Association in the Region, which is the Federated BHW of Cagayan de Oro City. Representing the Association is Mrs. Sarah Vistal, Federated BHW President. Assisting Dr. Bernadas is Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr, Director III, and Chief of Local Health Support Division, Dr. Susan O. Dongallo. With the group of Ms. Vistal is Dr. Rachel Dilla, City Health Officer II of Cagayan de Oro , Ms Iryn Salcido, Public Health Nurse Cag. De Oro City Health Office, and Dr. Edna Sheila B. Eugenio. The 1st Runner up receiving Php250,00 is the Federated BHW of Misamis Occidental and the 2nd runner up is the Federated BHW of Bukidnon, and the 3rd runner –up is the Federated BHW of Misamis Oriental. –Ma. Elen C. Santua, M.D., MS II

KAMPANYA KONTRA PAPUTOK AT MRT STATIONS

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona recently unveiled a ‘Kampanya Kontra Paputok’ tarpaulin aimed at reducing incidence of fireworks-related injuries to children as Department of Health data revealed that most injuries due to fireworks are found in children aged below 10 years old. Ona instead suggested that local government units designate a common fireworks display area, where the community can gather and have fun while watching fireworks display handled by professionals.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

The Achievers Journal (April-July 2010 Edition)

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From Womb to Tomb Media Seminar

Dr. Ivanhoe C. Escartin, of the National Center for Health Promotion, presenting to media data on suicide during the recent DOH “Womb To Tomb” media seminar held on December 8-10, 2010 in Montebello Hotel , Cebu City. Dr. Escartin talked about depression as a pre- cursor to suicide, as suicide becomes more common during Christmas holidays.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

WALANG BATANG MAGPAPAPUTOK

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona discusses to students of Payatas B Elementary School the effects of using fireworks/firecrackers during this holiday season. Ona made the visit to schools to personally advise children to refrain from using fireworks/firecrackers as DOH statistics reveal that most injuries occur in the 1-10 years age group. He also cited that injuries to children happen because fireworks/firecrackers are available at community retail stores. The Department of Health stressed that no irresponsible fireworks use will result to no injury, or even death.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

World Health Report 2010 focusing on Health Systems Financing

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, (3rd from left) presenting the World Health Report 2010 focusing on Health Systems Financing - The Path to Universal Coverage. Health Secretary Ona reiterated in the Alma-Ata Declaration that Health for All would contribute both to a better quality of life and also to global peace and security. He expressed optimism that President Benigno Aquino III’s marching order of universal healthcare coverage among the poorest of the poor Filipinos will soon be realize in two or three years. He added that strengthening rural health units, tapping private sector cooperation, sustaining health outcomes, expanding membership of informal sectors and scaling-up information campaign of Philhealth are some of the strategies the Department of Health should adopt in order to attain its objective. Also in photo from left to right are Philhealth President Dr. Rey Aquino, World Health Organization Country Representative to the Philippines Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, WHO Health Care Financing Team Leader Dr. Dorjsuren Bayarsaikhan, and WHO Health Sector Development Director Dr. Henk Bekedam.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

Regional Public Health Conference

Health Undersecretary Mario C. Villaverde, during the Regional Health Conference on Determinants of Health, underscoring the need for society to work together to address the problems of rapid urbanization and devise approaches to reduce inequities to access to good health. He added that social determinants like water and sanitation, transportation, mother and children’s health, climate change, nutrition and family size should be given priority in order to make headway and achieve better health for all.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

WORLD AIDS DAY 2010: “LIGHT FOR RIGHTS”

Press Release/1 December 2010

Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV continues to be a potent threat to the health of our countrymen. Countries across the globe are facing this dreaded disease and its disastrous effects on individuals, their families, the health care delivery system, and society in general.

Towards the end of 2008, an estimated total number of 33.4 million people were infected with HIV globally.

Locally, there are now a total of 5,729 HIV positive cases in the country. This represents less than one percent of our total population which means that the country is still on track to meet our MDG target of halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.

Despite this, Secretary Ona warned against complacency. “Efforts should be intensified to prevent its spread,” according the Health Secretary.

Steady increases in the number of cases have been reported over the years. Twenty-two percent (22%) of all cases were recorded this year alone. This is primarily driven by risky behaviours which includes unprotected sex, among others. In every ten (10) HIV infections reported in the country, nine were acquired through unprotected sex. About of half of these infections were in men having sex with men.

“Risky behaviours are fuelled by lack of awareness on HIV,” declared Secretary Ona as he emphasized the importance of focusing information and education campaigns on the most at risk populations (MARP). He also said that there is a need to inform people about the social impact of HIV/AIDS to correct the negative attitudes, biases, and stigma heavily associated with the disease.

Likewise, he stressed the importance of supporting the needs of people of living with HIV (PLHIV). At present, a total of 1,153 people living with HIV are currently on Anti-Retroviral treatment in the government’s 13 treatment hubs. These, together with the medical and social services are given for free.

This is in keeping with our celebration of World AIDS Day aptly themed, “Light for Rights.” As health is a fundamental right, it is essential that every human being has access to accurate and appropriate information on HIV/AIDS, preventive services to halt its spread, and adequate treatment to fight the disease.

“Let us all be beacons of light in the face of darkness that it is HIV/AIDS,” concluded the Health Chief.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

P-NOY’S PRIORITY: HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona on Wednesday, November 17, arrived by a helicopter to Mati City, Davao Oriental to witness the blessing and inauguration of the New Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital. The Health chief personally handed-over to Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon a check amounting to almost a million as augmentation for the provincial hospital’s development plan. The visit is part of Pnoy’s commitment to improve all government health facilities whether it is DOH-retained or devolved to the local government units.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

IDTOMIS ANNOUNCEMENT RE-PROFICIENCY TESTING

Please inform all the DTL in your area that registration for Proficiency test for Screening Drug Testing Laboratories is now on going. Deadline of on-line submission of registration form will be on October 30, 2010. participants will be limited and scheduled per batch depending on the statistical requirements of the PT scheme. Failure to pass the proficiency testing will result to suspension/cancellation of the DOH accreditation for the Year 2011. For more details you can visit BHFS website at http://www.doh.gov.ph/bhfs/ or contact NRL at (02)433-0673/(02)435-7136. Please be guided accordingly.

RUN FOR A CAUSE

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, together with other DOH officers and staffs, join thousands of Filipinos in the 10-10-10 Run for the Pasig River yesterday, October 10, 2010.The event which aimed to raise funds for the rehabilitation of a heavily polluted Pasig River was participated by famous showbiz and political personalities.

Secretary Ona and the entire DOH delegation took part in the 10K run which started in Ayala Ave., Makati and ended at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

NEW NATIONAL REFERENCE LAB

Department of Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Elmer Punzalan(left) and National Health Laboratory Network Overall Chairman Dr. Juanito Billote recently opened the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) Division of Laboratory Medicine as the latest addition to the DOH National Reference Laboratory. As a reference laboratory for pathology of cardiovascular diseases, the PHC now offers referral service for histopathology, special stains including special studies, gross dissection and examination, autopsy consultation for cardiovascular pathology and external quality assurance activities. The PHC-NRL also offers seminars/training workshops and can be reached at 925-2401 local 5143.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

Kalusugan ng Lahat, Philhealth ang Katapat

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona distributes Philhealth cards to indigent residents of Baseco, Tondo, Manila. The Department of Health, along with other government agencies, observed October 2 as National Philhealth Registration Day in order to promote national insurance consciousness aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenditiures of Filipinos during hospital confinement and out-patient treatment. The DOH believes that a strongsocial insurance system is a vital element towards progress and nation building.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

GENERICS EXPO IN CLARK

Healthy Lifestyle advocate Edna Nito, during the 2nd leg of the Philippine Generics EXPO 2010, lectures on the importance of engaging in regular exercise, eating healthy, balanced diet consisting of fruits, root crops, fish, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco as the natural way of preventing diseases and aging. The recent Generics EXPO was held in SM Clark, Pampanga and was participated by pharmaceutical companies promoting generic products.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

DOH AND PHILHEALTH READY FOR OCT 2 PHILHEALTH SABADO

“It’s all systems go for the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) for the National PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD) this October 2, 2010 with President Benigno S. Aquino III spearheading the campaign in Baseco, Tondo, Manila”, Health Secretary Enrique Ona today announced.

Ona explained that the nationwide registration this Saturday will take place in Philhealth desks put up in DOH regional offices, public schools, municipal halls, community halls, and DOH-retained hospitals nationwide.

“In keeping with P-Noy’s promise to give each and every Filipino access to quality healthcare in three years time, he will be distributing Philhealth cards to the very poor Filipinos previously identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as true indigents and already enrolled
by their respective local government chiefs in PhilHealth,” Ona said.

Meanwhile, Philhealth also disclosed that all Philhealth regional and service offices and government as well as premiere commercial centers nationwide will also hold registration for non-members.

The state-run health insurance program was made a priority item in the new Administration’s health agenda which aims to hit 100 percent of the Philippine population within three years.

Secretary Ona, currently the Chairman of the Board of Philhealth, organized a multi-sectoral task force to set things into motion to realize President Aquino’s directive in the soonest time possible.

Ona himself heads the said task force which is composed of the DOH, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Education (DepEd) as well as the National Anti Poverty Commission and the Leagues
of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities.

The DILG will help the DOH engage local chief executives in the enrolment of indigents in their respective jurisdictions as identified by the DSWD while DepEd shall help set up Philhealth desks in all public schools to encourage students and their parents to register and become Philhealth members.

The activity aims to register the remaining Filipino citizens who are at least 21 years of age and non-members of the program. It is also open to 18 to 20 year olds who may need to register; existing contributors who are still unregistered; those not issued their Philhealth Number Card or Family Health Card yet; and those already registered but who may want to update their membership profile with Philhealth.

The program mainly targets those from the self-employed and informal sector who comprise some 53 percent of the population, a substantial portion of which, can afford to pay for health
insurance as individually paying members (IPMs). Local government units and other non-governmental organizations may choose to sponsor families without the means to pay but were not included in the DSWD,

Targeted citizens are also enjoined to go to any of Philhealth’s 17 regional offices and close to 100 service offices in their respective localities.

Upon registration, they will be advised to activate their membership by paying the required contribution of at least Php 300 for a quarter or Php 1,200 for a year’s payment at any accredited collecting partners nearest them. A duly activated membership and completion of all eligibility requirements shall entitle a member and his/her qualified dependents medical care subsidies when confined in accredited hospitals anywhere in the country.

“I encourage all Filipinos especially those who are not yet members of PhilHealth, let us go out and avail of this opportunity to
be registered with Philhealth on October 2. Let us protect ourselves from the financial effects of health emergencies and medical situations in the family,” Secretary Ona concluded.

For more details on the open registration, the public may log on to www.philhealth.gov.ph or call the Philhealth member relations Department at (02) 637-6456

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

DOH GEARS UP FOR LOCAL BREASTFEEDING CAMPAIGN

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona reminds the public about the importance of breastfeeding within the first hour of life and called on health facilities providing healthcare for pregnant women, new mothers and newborns to follow the Ten Steps To Successful Breastfeeding.

During the ‘Breastfeeding Awareness Week’ held at the St. Luke’s Medical Center, Health Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan commended the participation of the SLMC as among the first private health facilities to respond to the DOH’s call to implement the Ten Steps To Successful Breastfeeding.

Globally, the Philippines is one of 33 countries that have completed the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative. There are some 40 countries undergoing training towards completing the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative.

Presently, about 28% of all maternity facilities in the world have implemented the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This has contributed to an encouraging increase in breastfeeding rates despite aggressive commercial promotion of infant formula and baby bottles.

The Ten Steps To Successful Breastfeeding are as follows: 1) Have a written breastfeeding policy that is communicated routinely to all healthcare staff; 2) Train all health-care staff in the skills necessary to implement the policy; 3) Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding; 4) Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes of life; 5) Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation even if separated from their infants; 6) Give newborn infants no food or drink other than human milk unless medically-indicated; 7) Practice rooming- in. Allow mothers and infants to stay together 24 hours a day; 8) Encourage breastfeeding on demand; 9) Give no artificial teats or pacifiers; and 10) Foster establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers on discharge from hospital or clinic.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

DOH-CSC MOA on BOTIKA PARA SA TAUMBAYAN

The Department of Health, represented by Secretary Enrique Ona, and the Civil Service Commission, represented by Chairman Francisco T. Duque III recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) wherein the CSC shall be granted a seed fund of P15 million worth of medicines. This seed fund shall be distributed to 300 government agencies identified by the CSC wherein each agency will be given P50,000 each worth of medicines and establish a “Botika Para sa Taumbayan”. Said MOA shall broaden the base of beneficiaries of low-cost medicines and ensure access to affordable quality medicines for all. Also in photo is Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

Nationwide Philhealth Registration Day

PhilHealth Sabado (October 2, 2010) is the start of a continuing advocacy program to increase awareness and knowledge of every Filipino on the importance of becoming a PhilHealth member that will ensure access to quality health services to the member and his/her dependents.

The program intends the registration of non-member informal sector under the individually paying program (IPP). It also provides for an opportunity to automatically register and distribute PhilHealth cards to about 800,000 indigents identified in the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

PhilHealth Sabado fullfill universal health insurance coverage within three years as promised in the first State of the Nation Address of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

1. Paraan ng Pagpaparehistro
2. Paraan ng Paggamit
- Sponsored Program Members
- Individually Paying Members
3. Alamin ang Inyong Benepisyo
4. Frequently Asked Questions

PRESENTATIONS

1. National Philhealth Registration Day
2. National Philhealth Registration Day - Communication Plan
3. Dry-Run of the National Philhealth Registration Day
4. NPRD Joint Agreement

source: www.doh.gov.ph

D.E.N.G.U.E. LAUNCHING AT MALACAÑANG

The Department of Health‘s anti-dengue team headed by Secretary Enrique T. Ona recently met with the Malacañang communication chiefs led by Atty. Edwin Lacierda and Manuel L. Quezon III to find solution to the worsening problem of dengue cases in the country . The health chief, together with dengue experts Dr. Enrique Tayag, Dr. Lyndon Leesuy, and Dr. Vito Roque, talk about the technical characteristic and descriptions of the virus and what measures the health department is doing to control the rapid spread of the dreaded disease. The team also launched the new DOH’s strategy aptly called D.E.N.G.U.E, where D-daily monitoring of patients, E-encourage oral intake of fluids, N-note any dengue warning signs likes bleeding, G-give paracetamol, not aspirin, U-use mosquito nets, and E-early consultation. Also present during the meeting are Dr. Melisa Guerrero , Dr. Willie Ong, Dr. Joseph Lachica and the Media Relations Unit of DOH- Office of the Secretary.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

D.E.N.G.U.E. STRATEGY DOWN TO THE COMMUNITY

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona recently visited People’s Health Center in Barangay Hulo in Mandaluyong City to personally assess the capabilities of healthcare providers to handle dengue cases at health centers, as well as check their supplies. Ona earlier stressed, during a press conference, that not all dengue cases will require hospitalization. He said that parents and caregivers should practice the DOH’s D.E.N.G.U.E strategy, where D-daily monitoring of patients, E-encourage oral intake of fluids, N-note any dengue warning signs like bleeding, G-give paracetamol, not aspirin, U-use mosquito nets, and E-early consultation.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

DOH ATTENDING TO DENGUE PATIENTS, BUT LGUs URGED TO DOUBLE EFFORTS – SECRETARY ONA

Press Release/7 September 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) today encouraged the public to maximize their health centers for consultations before bringing their patient to the hospital in an effort to declog public hospitals of long queues in the dengue express lane.

“Many dengue cases, if mild, can be managed at home or closely monitored by our local health staff in the communities. Not all dengue cases require hospitalization”, Health Secretary Enrique Ona emphasized even as he cited San Lazaro Hospital’s average of 500 consultations a day with only 30 admitted as dengue cases.

Ona emphasized that the number of new cases has been going down since August except in some cities of Metro Manila. Dengue peaks during the rainy months, particularly during the month of August.

The DOH disclosed that the number of cases nationwide from January to August 28 now totals 69,594.

This figure is 99% higher than last year’s 34,997 for the same period. There were 501 deaths recorded this year. Last year, there were 369 deaths. The case fatality rate for dengue is lower at 0.74 compared to 1.1 in the same period last year

Secretary Ona meanwhile cautioned local health authorities and the public not to let down their guard against dengue although cases are expected to further go down. He called on all local government officials to remain vigilant and make sure that that their health centers and hospitals are also ready to manage consultations for dengue and other diseases that occur during the rainy season such as influenza, bronchitis, diarrheas and leptospirosis.

DOH recently devised a new D.E.N.G.U.E. strategy to educate the public on home treatment of mild dengue cases. This is to also help decongest hospitals by giving an assurance that not all dengue cases require hospital confinement but can be managed at home using the said strategy.

“Instead of confining patients in a hospital facility, parents and caregivers can practice the D.E.N.G.U.E. strategy. D.E.N.G.U.E. stands for D - daily monitoring of patient’s status, E - encourage intake of oral fluids like oresol, water, juices, etc, N – note any dengue warning signs like persistent vomiting and bleeding, G – give paracetamol for fever and NOT aspirin, because aspirin induces bleeding, U – use mosquito nets and E – early consultation is advised for any warning signs”, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said.

Ona advised the public to go straight to the emergency room if they exhibit dengue warning signs. Warning signs include severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, red spots or patches on the skin, signs of bleeding, black stools, drowsiness or decreased consciousness, difficulty of breathing, and pale or cold clammy skin.

Ona has already issued an order to all DOH hospitals to activate their Dengue express lanes to facilitate patient admission for these severe dengue cases. Ona also appealed to chiefs of public and private hospitals to set up additional wards and beds for dengue patients needing confinement.

“Aside from these steps, I has also directed our DOH officials to temporarily suspend all out of town seminars and trainings which involve our local health providers so that they can attend more to dengue cases,” Ona said.

DOH reiterates that the most effective way to prevent and fight dengue is still by practicing the DOH’s 4-S strategy consisting of Search and destroy, Self-protective measures, Seek early treatment and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

“We are reiterating our call to all local government units (LGUs) to mobilize barangay dengue brigades in their areas such as what is being done in Quezon City and Zamboanga City,” Ona said, adding that a once-a-week community-wide clean up drives against dengue will help a lot in reducing cases.

Measures include emptying of all exposed containers and vases, old tires, coconut husks, and plants of stagnant waters. Abandoned lots, houses and establishments should also be included in the search-and-destroy operations because these may have possible mosquito breeding sites.

Ona also recognized the efforts of other government agencies to combat dengue such as the initiative of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to conduct fogging activities in public schools of Metro Manila where clustering of dengue cases have been reported. He also thanked the Department of Education (DepEd) for including dengue awareness campaigns in their wellness programs in all public schools nationwide.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

ANTI-DENGUE CAMPAIGN IN LRT

Health Secretary Enrique Ona explains to a young boy the Department of Health’s 4-S strategy against dengue because the population most affected by the disease are the 1-10 years age group. The DOH’s 4-S campaign includes Search and destroy all mosquito breeding sites, Seek early consultation once dengue is suspected, wear Self-protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites, and Say no to indiscriminate fogging, because there are certain conditions that should be observed during fogging operation. Assisting Secretary Ona is Light Railway Transit Authority Division Chief Mr. Joseph Hagos. From January to August 21 this year, dengue cases nationwide reached 62,503 with 465 deaths.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

PNOY and Chairman Duque Message on 110th CSC Anniversary

LAUNCHES ‘D.E.N.G.U.E.’ STRATEGY

Press Release/1 September 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) today assured that many dengue cases, if mild, can be managed at home and not all cases require hospitalization even as the number of cases nationwide from January to August 21 now rose to 62,503.

This figure is 88.8% higher than last year’s 33,102 for the same period. There were 465 deaths recorded this year. Last year, there were 350 deaths.

“Instead of confining patients in a hospital facility, parents and caregivers can practice the D.E.N.G.U.E. strategy. D.E.N.G.U.E. stands for D - daily monitoring of patient’s status, E - encourage intake of oral fluids like oresol, water, juices, etc, N – note any dengue warning signs like persistent vomiting and bleeding, G – give paracetamol for fever and NOT aspirin, because aspirin induces bleeding, U – use mosquito nets and E – early consultation is advised for any warning signs”, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said.

The new D.E.N.G.U.E. strategy has been devised by the DOH to educate the public on home treatment of mild dengue cases. This is to also help decongest hospitals by giving an assurance that not all dengue cases require hospital confinement but can be managed at home using the said strategy.

Ona also reiterated that the most effective way to prevent and fight dengue is still by practicing the DOH’s 4-S strategy consisting of Search and destroy, Self-protective measures, Seek early treatment and Say no to indiscriminate fogging.

“We are urging all local government units to mobilize barangay dengue brigades in their areas,” Ona explained, adding that a once-a-week community-wide clean up drives against dengue will help a lot in reducing cases. Measures include emptying of all exposed containers and vases, old tires, coconut husks, and plants of stagnant waters. Abandoned lots, houses and establishments should also be included in the search-and-destroy operations because these may have possible mosquito breeding sites.

Ona revealed that most of the cases came from Western Visayas (16.1%), CaLaBarzon (10.9%), Central Mindanao (10.5%), Eastern Visayas (9.2%), National Capital Region (8.9%), Southern Mindanao (8.1%) and Northern Mindanao (7.4%).

Ages of cases ranged from 1 month to 95 years old. Majority (52%) of the cases were male. The most affected age group were the 1-10 years while there were more deaths recorded in the less than one year age group and the 1-10 years age group).

Ona disclosed that outbreaks were detected in Roxas City and Iloilo City in Region VI and Zamboanga City in Region IX.

The health chief explained that a hotspot is defined as clustering of cases with increasing number in the past four weeks. Hotspots were observed in the several barangays in the following areas: Lipa City and San Jose in Batangas (Region 4A); Puerto Princesa City in Palawan (Region 4B); Kalibo, Aklan (Region VI); Tagbilaran City, Bohol (Region VII); Pudtol, Apayao (CAR) and ; Kalookan and Valenzuela in NCR.

On the other hand, clustering of cases occur when there are three or more cases in a barangay in the past four weeks. Clustering of cases was noted in many areas in different Regions of the country.

At the National Capital Region, most of the cases were reported from Quezon City.

“The increase in dengue cases can be attributed to the presence of four different strains of the dengue virus circulating in the country today, plus the fact that the country is experiencing the El Niño phenomenon,” Ona elaborated, adding that continuous rains is also responsible for the upsurge in cases.

To more strongly respond to the increasing number of dengue cases, the DOH has ramped up efforts in its public education and information campaign to schools and barangays since July in coordination with its regional health offices and other concerned government agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Secretary Ona has also reiterated the directive to activate all dengue express lanes in DOH and to network with regional and provincial blood centers where patients can access safe and clean blood for transfusion in severe cases.

“There is still no cure or vaccine for dengue and that is why we must focus on other cost-effective interventions, the most important of which is source reduction --- destroy the dengue-carrying mosquitoes,” Ona emphasized.

The health department is currently looking into other potential strategies to combat dengue such as the use of vaccines against all four dengue strains, the genetic modification of the Aedes mosquitoes which will render them less active in biting victims and even local alternatives such as the use of “Tawa-tawa”, a local herb that is being investigated for its curative properties against dengue.

“We are on the lookout for the emerging science and trends concerning dengue which can help us to more effectively fight the disease in the future,” says Ona. “Meanwhile, we are doing everything we can to arm the public with information and respond to the medical needs of victims given the tools that are currently available to us,” he added.

Ona reminded the public that dengue, although an all-year round disease, is more common during rainy days when there are more potential breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. To prevent dengue, Ona advised the public to destroy all possible mosquito breeding sites like old tires, softdrink bottles and tin cans, and use mosquito nets or protective clothing. He also stressed that fogging may be done only in outbreak areas.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

ONA & KRIS VS AEDES

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona and Presidential sister Kris Aquino smashing the Aedes Aegypti mascot to show schoolchildren of Rosa Susano Elementary School in Novaliches, Quezon City that dengue can be defeated through correct information on how to prevent the disease. Secretary Ona also stressed the important role of media in conveying timely and correct messages to the public at the same time appreciated media’s help in the Department of Health’s campaign against dengue. Latest DOH record reveals that dengue cases as of August 14 now reached 54,659 with 429 deaths.

source: www.doh.gov.ph

YOU & ME & MOMMY

We all support our breastfeeding mommies

Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, during the breastfeeding press conference dubbed as “You, Me and Mommy” in support of breastfeeding mothers, stressing the need to revive the breastfeeding culture in the country as a child survival strategy to reduce infant mortality and improve the health status of every Filipino child. Ubial also urged all hospitals to become Mother-Baby Friendly in order to promote and sustain the breastfeeding practice. Also in photo from left to right are UNICEF Representative Vanessa Tobin, World Health Organization Country Representative Dr. Soe Nyunt-U and Ms. Nuriza Abeja, founder of Beauty, Brains, and Breastfeeding.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

DOH, DepEd STARTS DENGUE SCHOOL CAMPAIGN

24 August 2010

The Department of Health and Department of Education today started the series of elementary school visits in Rizal Elementary School in Manila in order to inform children on the prevention of dengue and its signs and symptoms.

As of August 14, a total of 54,659 dengue cases were reported nationwide. This figure is 74.9% higher for the same period last year. There were 429 deaths recorded.

“Dengue is a disease more common during rainy season and affects mostly (77%) the 1-20 years age group,” Health Secretary Enrique Ona explained.

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

INFLUENZA A (H1N1) UPDATE

12 August 2010
source: www.doh.gov.ph

STATEMENT OF HEALTH SECRETARY DR. ENRIQUE T. ONA ON THE WHO DECLARATION OF THE INFLUENZA A (H1N1) POST-PANDEMIC PERIOD

The Department of Health (DOH) concurs with the recent announcement of WHO Director-General Margaret Chan that the world is now shifting toward the post-pandemic period of Influenza A (H1N1). The review of the current alert levels of the A (H1N1) pandemic by the WHO was in fact one of the recommendations during the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting held in July this year.

As can be gleaned from the official WHO announcement, the post-pandemic phase means that the A (H1N1) virus has taken on a behavior and intensity similar to that of the regular seasonal flu viruses. It also means that we expect sustained community level transmission and localized outbreaks of A (H1N1) in the coming years.

In the country, similar to the rest of the world, all evidence indicates that the virus mostly causes mild symptoms that resolve even without antiviral treatment in the overwhelming majority of cases. There is also no indication of a change or mutation in the virus that would point to increased virulence or a change in the severity or character of the flu illness that it causes to patients.

In the Philippines, findings reveal that A (H1N1) remains to be the dominant strain with 49% of 11,904 specimens submitted to and analyzed by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) testing positive for A (H1N1) 2009 (as of July 31, 2010). This is in contrast with the global situation described by the WHO as having a “mix of influenza viruses, typically seen during seasonal epidemics.”
With the shift toward the post-pandemic phase, let me assure everyone that the DOH will continue to monitor the situation and heed the advice of WHO to continue our early detection and surveillance activities and remain vigilant against the expected local outbreaks as part of the DOH Surveillance for influenza-like illnesses (ILI).
Our local experience in handling the A (H1N1) pandemic of 2009 has already proven the capacity of our government to respond to this emerging challenge especially in giving care to the minority of patients who may need treatment and care in our health facilities. In fact, our efforts have been commended by the WHO in terms of giving an adequate and efficient response; establishing effective collaboration between our government, the WHO and the international community; and in providing effective risk communication to the public since the beginning of the A (H1N1) pandemic.
We shall also intensify our vaccination strategy in targeting our health workers and high-risk groups which include pregnant women, the very young and the elderly, the immuno-compromised and those with chronic conditions (i.e. asthma, COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease).
Thus, I encourage our health workers and all our citizens who belong to these vulnerable groups to avail of the vaccines that we have already been providing for free in our local health facilities and DOH-managed hospitals since early this year. I also call on our hospitals and frontline healthcare providers to continue the effective management of our local cases following the clinical guidelines that the DOH has issued in 2009.

DENGUE NOW OVER THE 40,000 MARK, 48% HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR-DOH

Press Release/12 August 2010
Source: www.doh.gov.ph

The Department of Health (DOH) today reported that dengue cases nationwide now reach 40,648 from January to 31 July 2010. The figure is 48% higher than last year’s 27,473 for the same period. There were 328 deaths recorded this year with case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.8%. Last year, there were 293 deaths (CFR at 1.1%).

Most of the cases came from Central Mindanao (5,259 cases), Western Visayas (4,511), Eastern Visayas (4,086), CALABARZON (4,034), Southern Mindanao (3,875), Northern Mindanao (3,603), and the National Capital Region (3,452).

Ages of cases ranged from less than a month to 95 years old. Majority (52%) of the cases were male. The most affected age group were the 1-10 years and the 11-20 years, while there were more deaths recorded in the less than one year age group and the 1-10 years age group.

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona disclosed that outbreaks were detected in the municipality of Gasan in Marinduque and Barangay Banica, Lawaan in Roxas City, Capiz.

Hotspots were observed in Barangays Minoyan, Murcia, Carabalan, Aguisan in Himalayan City and Concepcion, Bubog in Negros Occidental; Barangays Bata, Singcang, Banago, Tangub, Taculing, Pahanocoy, Felisa, Villamonte and Mansilingan in Bacolod City; and Barangays Lanot, Malibili, Tiza, and Bolo in Roxas City. A hotspot is defined as clustering of cases with increasing number in the past four weeks. On the other hand, clustering of cases occur when there are three or more cases in a barangay in the past four weeks.

Clustering of cases were noted in the province of Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Ilocos Sur in Ilocos Region; Cagayan in Cagayan Valley; Zambales, Aurora, Tarlac, and Bulacan in Central Luzon; Rizal, Quezon, Laguna, and Batangas in CALABARZON; Marinduque, Palawan, and Mindoro Oriental in MIMAROPA; Albay. Masbate and Camarines Sur in Bicol Region; Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Iloilo City, Negros Occidental, and Bacolod City in Western Visayas; Bohol, Negros Oriental, Cebu in Central Visayas;

There were also clustering of cases in Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Leyte in Eastern Visayas; Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur in Western Visayas; Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao; Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental in Southern Mindanao; Sarangani Province, Cotabato City, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, and South Cotabato in Central Mindanao; Lanao del Sur in the Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao; Baguio City, Mountain Provicne, Benguet anmd Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region; Agusan del Sur in CARAGA and Metro Manila at the National Capital Region (NCR).

At the National Capital Region, most of the cases are from Quezon City (754), Manila (606), Kalookan (372), Navotas (227), and Valenzuela (221). Other cities include Malabon (182), Mandaluyong (171), Marikina (165), Pasig (144), Pasay (126), Makati (119), and Parañaque (114).

“The increase in dengue cases can be attributable to the El Niño phenomenon the country is experiencing,” Ona said, adding that continuous rains will also be responsible.

The health chief reminded the public that dengue, although an all-year round disease, is more common during rainy days when there are more potential breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. To prevent dengue, Ona advised the public to destroy all mosquito breeding sites like old tires and tin cans, always clean roof gutters, replace water in flower vases regularly, use mosquito nets or protective clothing. He also stressed that fogging may be done only in outbreak areas.

SECRETARY ONA'S 1ST REGIONAL VISIT

source: www.doh.gov.ph

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Davao Sub-National Blood Center in Mindanao to meet the blood needs of the region. Also in photo (from left to right) are Western Visayas Regional Director Dr. Ariel Valencia, Head Executive Assistant Dr. Yolly Oliveros, Southern Mindanao Regional Director Dr. Gene Baluma, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega and Health Assistant Secretary David Lozada. Secretary Ona also formally renamed the Davao Medical Center to Southern Philippines Medical Center. Ona envisioned the SPMC to be a model hospital and to utilize private-public partnership as a strategy to further improve the current healthcare delivery system. He added that SPMC could also be a center for organ donation and transplantation in Mindanao.

MILESTONE BREAKTHROUGH IN THE DOH ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN

source: www.doh.gov.ph
The Department of Health, through the Integrity Development Committee (DOH-IDC) comes up with a Covenant of Commitment with the National Movement for Free Election (NAMFREL), a non-partisan, non-political Coalition Against Corruption (CAC) watchdog together with other Civil Society Organizations in the country.

The commitment covenant signing was graced and represented by Honorable Secretary Enrique T. Ona, MD, witnessed by the IDC Chairperson, Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial with undersecretary of Health for the Field Implementation Management Office (FIMO) and all IDC Committee Members.

The commemorative signing made the DOH’s Anti-Corruption campaign a breakthrough of success and commitment in its effort to align the efficient, effective, and transparent governance to better achieve a quality healthcare delivery for the people

DOH LEADS WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK

source: www.doh.gov.ph

The Department of Health (DOH), along with some 73 countries worldwide, joins the international community in the observance of the 19th World Breastfeeding Week with the theme, “Breastfeeding: Just 10 Steps. The Baby-Friendly Way”.

According to Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona, breastfeeding improves maternal and child health, and contributes to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal number 4 and 5 which is the reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health, respectively.

Study shows that the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life will lead to successful exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Continued breastfeeding should continue through the second year and beyond, with addition of safe, adequate, and appropriate complimentary foods.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently noted that the marked reduction in child mortality from 13 million deaths globally in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008 can be partly attributed to the adoption of basic health interventions like early and exclusive breastfeeding.

Globally, the Philippines is one of 33 countries that have completed the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative. There are some 40 countries undergoing training towards completing the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative.

Presently, about 28% of all maternity facilities in the world have implemented the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. This has contributed to an encouraging increase in breastfeeding rates despite aggressive commercial promotion of infant formula and baby bottles.

However, the 28% global compliance is a far cry from the 1990 Innocenti Declaration goal that by 1995 all maternity facilities shall be practicing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and shall promote and support breastfeeding practices in their respective countries.

The challenge for us is so great considering the resources are scarce. The “Rooming-In and Breastfeeding Act 7600” was revised and expanded to RA 10028 or known as “Expanded Breastfeeding Act of 2009”. This law addresses the issue of discontinuation of breastfeeding because women workers have to return to their work. This will also fill-up the gap of some mothers, who for some reason, will not be able to breastfeed their babies for awhile by encouraging hospitals to put up milk banks. Breastfeeding will also be integrated in the academe from elementary to college, especially for medical and allied courses.

While all those things are in process, the DOH have to make sure that hospitals, birthing homes/lying-in/maternity clinics and the likes practices Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives (MBFHI).

“Let us vigorously promote breastfeeding for a healthier citizenry,” Ona concluded.

DOH AND PHILHEALTH TO LAUNCH NATIONWIDE REGISTRATION

source: www.doh.gov.ph

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) will stage a massive open registration this September in response to President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s marching orders to attain universal Philhealth coverage in three years.

This was disclosed by Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona in a press briefing today explaining that the nationwide registration shall take place by setting up Philhealth desks in public schools, municipal halls and all DOH-retained hospitals nationwide.

“In keeping with P-Noys promise to give each and every Filipino access to quality healthcare in three years time, your Philhealth will open its doors across the country to reach out to the very poor Filipinos identified through the National Household targeting System – Proxy means test (NHTS-PMT) of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and considered as true indigents,” Ona said.

Meanwhile, Philhealth President and CEO Dr. Rey B. Aquino also disclosed that all Philhealth regional and service offices and government as well as premiere commercial centers nationwide will also hold registration for non-members.

The state-run health insurance program was made a priority item in the new Administration’s health agenda which aims to hit 100 percent of the Philippine population within three years.

Secretary Ona who currently sits as the Chairman of the Philhealth Board, has organized a multi-sectoral task force to set things into motion and realize president Aquino’s directive the soonest time possible.

Ona himself heads the said task force which is composed of the DOH, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

The DILG shall help the DOH engage local chief executives in the enrolment of indigents in their respective jurisdictions as identified by the DSWD while DepEd shall help create Philhealth desks in all public schools to encourage students and their parents to register and become Philhealth members.

The activity aims to enrol the remaining Filipino citizens who are at least 21 years of age and non-members of the program. It is also open to 18 to 20 year olds who may need to register; existing contributors who are still unregistered; those not issued their Philhealth Number Card or Family Health Card yet; and those already registered but who may want to update their membership profile with Philhealth.

The program mainly targets those from the self-employed and informal sector who comprise some 53 percent of the population and of which a substantial portion can afford to pay for health insurance as individually paying members (IPMs). On the other hand, the low income as well as those without the means to pay shall benefit from sponsorships where the national and local governments and other sponsors shoulder the premiums for their annual coverage.

Targeted citizens are also enjoined to go to any of Philhealth’s 17 regional offices and close to 100 service offices in their locality.

“We are also tapping other means such as online registration via our website; via texting using their cell phones; in malls and other commercial centers; and through our partners such as Local Government Units, government hospitals and colleges and universities to ensure that they will be able to register with ease and convenience,” Philhealth President Aquino explained.

Upon registration, enrolees will be advised to activate their membership by paying the required contribution of at least Php 300 for a quarter or Php 1,200 for a year’s payment at any accredited collecting partners nearest them. A duly activated membership and completion of all eligibility requirements shall entitle a member and his/her qualified dependents medical care subsidies when confined in accredited hospitals anywhere in the country.

“I encourage all Filipinos, especially Philhealth non-members, to go out and avail of this opportunity to be registered with Philhealth and secure financial protection that they will need in times of emergencies and medical situations in the family,” Secretary Ona concluded.

For more details on the open registration, the public may log on to www.philhealth.gov.ph

DOH LAUNCHES OSPITAL PiNOY: MALINIS AT MABANGO CAMPAIGN

Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph

In the government’s desire to further improve service to the people and be at par with its private counterparts, the Department of Health (DOH) today launched the “Ospital ng PiNOY: Malinis at Mabango” campaign.

“Hospitals should be centers of wellness and not of sickness, hence the need to maintain always a clean environment,” Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona said, adding that the poor status of cleanliness and orderliness of DOH hospitals have always been a usual source of complaints among patients and caregivers, as well.

Aside from providing health services, hospital authorities should make sure that the wards, rooms, lavatories, hallways, and corridors inside the hospital premises and its surroundings are always clean, orderly, and odor-free.

The health chief challenged all hospital directors of DOH-retained hospitals and specialty hospitals to maintain the highest degree of hygiene in their work environment. Unclean, unkempt and smelly hospital premises pose a health risk to patients, their companions, and health workers. Oftentimes, this also causes the negative perception of the people on public hospitals.

The “Ospital ng PiNOY: Malinis at Mabango” campaign specifically instructs hospitals to maintain cleanliness and orderliness inside hospital premises including driveways and parking areas at all times and pursue specific initiatives, mechanisms, and activities to achieve its goal. It should also mobilize its staff and health workers, as well as patients and their companions, to ensure that hospital cleanliness and orderliness is maintained.

“Ospital ng PiNOY: Malinis at Mabango” stickers, posters, and tarpaulins should be set up in conspicuous areas such as entrances, corridors, hallways, offices, wards, rooms, lavatories, etc.

A feedback mechanism such as grievance boxes, complaint desks, hotlines is a must in order to allow patients, clients and other stakeholders to lodge their complaints regarding the cleanliness and orderliness of the hospital so that corrective measures are implemented immediately.

Ona directed the Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns and Regional Directors to ensure compliance to this campaign by conducting regular, random, unannounced spot checks of hospitals and by calling the attention of hospital chiefs, if necessary.

CHD-NM STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP 2011-2016

ONA URGES DOH TO SUPPORT P-NOY

Former National Kidney & Transplant Institute Chief Dr. Enrique Ona formally took the reins as Health Secretary from outgoing Dr Esperanza I. Cabral in a simple turn-over ceremony held at the DOH Convention Hall, July 5, 2010. During the turnover rites, Ona was warmly met by Department of Health colleagues and urged everyone to rally behind the Aquino administration for effective and efficient healthcare service delivery.

Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph

NEW HEALTH CHIEF

Dr. Enrique T. Ona today assumes his new post as Department of Health Secretary. Sec. Ona solicited the support of all his DOH family to work towards the marching order of President Benigno Aquino III for universal Philhealth coverage in three years. Sec. Ona was the former Executive Director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute since 1998 and President of the Transplantation Society of the Philippines.

source: http://www.doh.gov.ph

DOH SUED ON CIGARETTE PACKS WITH PICTURES; HEALTH GROUP HIT TOBACCO COMPANY

Press Release/17 June 2010

The health group, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) criticized the tobacco company, Fortune Tobacco Corp. for questioning in court the recent order of the Department of Health to put pictures in cigarette and tobacco packages bearing information about these products.

“Expectedly, the tobacco industry tries to block the order of the DOH aimed at protecting the Filipino people against smoking-related diseases,” said Dr. Maricar Limpin, FCAP Executive Director.

Fortune Tobacco Corp. filed a petition for Declaratory Relief with application for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on June 3, 2010 regarding the DOH Administrative Order No. 13, Requiring Graphic Health Information on Tobacco Product Packages.

The petition, now being heard before the sala of Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 272 by Hon. Justice Felix P. Reyes will hold its next hearing on June 21.

The DOH issued the AO on May 24 imposing mandatory printing on cigarette packs of pictures and information depicting the real effects of cigarettes and the removal of all descriptors in cigarette products. Fortune filed the petition even before the AO is set to be implemented.

“The tobacco industry’s action confirms the effectiveness of pictures to control cigarette smoking among the youth. What the tobacco industry is not saying in the press release that pictures work too well for the youth who are the primary target of tobacco marketing. Why will the industry go all the way to the court if they do not see the effectiveness of this measure to curb smoking and eventually affect their profit? The industry will naturally move heaven and earth to refuse the printing of pictures in cigarette packs because this will effectively ruin one of their most vital marketing platforms, the product packages,” explained Limpin.

Limpin said reaching out to the younger generation was touted by the industry itself as the way to heftier profits. They are called replacement smokers as more adult smokers are dying due to smoking-related diseases.

In the template of pictures that will be printed in cigarette packs, the DOH AO requires printing of photos depicting the effects on the smokers of toxic compounds and over 60 carcinogens containing cigarettes and tobacco products. It also includes information that nicotine, a by-product unique only to tobacco, is the substance that eventually leads the smoker to addiction.

“The DOH issued the AO to provide the consumers with accurate information about cigarettes and other tobacco products. The industry deliberately omitted in their press statements that it was not meant to replace the existing health warning printed in cigarette packs,” said Limpin. FCAP is a health alliance of medical and health professionals, concerned mothers, environmental advocates, religious and faith-based groups and individuals who aim to liberate the Filipino people from the hazards and ailments caused by cigarettes and other tobacco products.

According to Limpin, the DOH has to ensure accurate product information because cigarettes and other tobacco products are the only consumer products legally sold in the market that are known to cause sure-death, if not debilitating and pain-causing ailments, when used as directed by the manufacturers.

REFERENCE: Dr. Maricar Limpin, FCAP Executive Director - 0917-6283502 Joyce E. Sierra +639175221065

STATEMENT OF COALITION FOR HEALTH ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

From: DOH WebPAGE

9 June 2010

The Coalition for Health Accountability and Transparency (CHAT) is a coalition of civil society organizations concerned with issues on access to medicines, public health and good governance. Bound by a common advocacy, but recognizing the independence and integrity of its member-organization s, the Coalition is working to promote transparency and accountability, and encourage sharing of information in the field of public health.

The Coalition lauds the Department of Health (DOH) for upholding the Constitutional right to health and right to health information through the recent issuance of Administrative Order 2010-0013 (AO 2010 0013) requiring graphic health information and prohibiting misleading descriptors on tobacco product packages, and urges the DOH to stand firm despite the attempts to undermine the bold step forward in public health.

At least 10 Filipinos die every hour from preventable tobacco-related diseases. This is further aggravated by the lack of compelling information on the toxic and poisonous contents and emissions of tobacco products.

By requiring the placement of visible and full color pictures and health information on tobacco product packages, the DOH succeeds in effectively communicating the health risks of smoking to those sectors of the populace that are most vulnerable to the deceptive appeal of cigarettes – the youth and the illiterate.

We deplore the shameless attempts to undermine the DOH Administrative Order on Graphic Health Information. The tobacco companies, and those representing their interests, have no right to take away the Filipino’s right to health information. So far, they have questioned the DOH’s competence and authority as well as the legality of the DOH Administrative Order.

We join the community of lawyers’ and legal experts’ recognition of the DOH’s authority to issue the Administrative Order. Instead of questioning and protesting the DOH issuance, the tobacco companies should respect the Philippine government and the Filipino people in the same way that they respect other countries’ governments and people. Right now, these companies already place graphic information on cigarette packs they export to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. The Filipinos deserve no less.

We urge the politicians (Congressmen) to refrain from supporting the tobacco industry’s attempts to question and nullify the Administrative Order. Policy makers should not act to promote industry interests and protect tobacco industry profits at the expense of the Filipino’s health.

We ask the DOH Secretary to stand firm and not to give in to the demands of the profit-driven tobacco industry to withdraw the AO.

The AO was issued in compliance with the mandatory requirements of a treaty. Any government act of backing off from it would be tantamount to telling the world that the Philippines does not care about treaties it signs nor does it care about the health of our people.

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/24 May 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) today reaffirmed its commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and issued Administrative Order No. 2010-0013 requiring graphic health information on all tobacco packages and to adopt measures to ensure that tobacco product packaging and labeling do not promote tobacco use by any means that are false, misleading, deceptive or likely to create an erroneous impression.

The issuance of the AO is considered a monumental achievement in government efforts to curb tobacco use and reduce its gargantuan socio-economic costs. It is estimated that smoking exacts a P200 billion toll on the country due to health costs and productivity losses, in comparison to the P30B revenues gained from taxes paid by the tobacco industry.

The required graphic health warning information on all tobacco packages reflect findings that warning labels must be noticeable, relevant and memorable in order to be effective. At least 38 countries and territories are already implementing picture-based warnings on tobacco packaging. These include Canada, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela, Jordan, Australia, Uruguay, Panama, Belgium, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Romania, United Kingdom, Egypt, Brunei, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Peru, Djibouti, Switzerland, Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Mongolia and Iran.

The European Union has also recommended that all their 27 member-states implement graphic health warnings. Other countries in the process of implementing picture-based warnings include France, Iceland. Ireland, Latvia, Macau, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, the United States, and member-states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Caribbean Community.

Most of the gains in reducing consumption are estimated to come from the youth sector who will likely be discouraged from smoking due to the graphic health information. This is very relevant considering that smoking prevalence among young Filipinos aged 13-15 has increased by approximately 30% over the past two years, according to the Philippines’ 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Bills have been filed in both the Senate (SB 2377) and the House of Representatives (HB 3364) that will mandate the use of picture-based warnings instead of mere text warnings on no less than 50% of both the front and back sides of the tobacco packages. However, these legislative initiatives have met strong opposition from the tobacco industry, which has used its influence on legislators, especially those from the Northern bloc of tobacco-growing provinces.

“The passage of these bills into law must be prioritized considering that an average of 1 Filipino dies every 6 minutes due to tobacco-related diseases”, said Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, adding that as of September 2008, the Philippines is already in violation of its treaty obligations under the FCTC.

“I am appealing to the leaders of the next administration to ensure their passage into law in order to save more than 17.3 million current smokers in the country aged 15 years and above from further addiction and exposure to major health risks”, Cabral said. She also noted that tobacco companies such as Philip Morris, Fortune Tobacco and Mighty Corporation already produce cigarette packages with graphic warnings for export to other countries. “There’s no reason why they cannot do it for us here”, she concluded.

Noting that the Arroyo Administration, in its concern for tobacco farmers has provided funds to the Philippine Tobacco Authority (PTA) to develop alternative crops and livelihoods for the tobacco farmers, Secretary Cabral expressed her appeal to the PTA to fulfill its obligations to tobacco farmers and to make a report on how it has spent the money allocated for this purpose. At the moment, the profits of tobacco companies and their middlemen have kept increasing whereas tobacco farmers have unfortunately been kept poor as they have always been. Perhaps it’s time for tobacco farmers to shift to growing more high value crops from which they can earn a better living.

PNAC TO HOLD 2010 NATIONAL HIV SUMMIT

From: DOH WebPage

With increasing cases of HIV seen and reported especially in the last three years in the Philippines, it has now become imperative for the government to conduct an HIV Summit to urge leaders from all sectors of society to jointly scale-up a national response to address the disease.

“It is very timely and appropriate that we hold a one-day National HIV Summit in order to inform leaders on the current state of HIV in the Philippines and the need for urgent action towards meeting the Millennium Development Goal 6, particularly Target 9 on HIV and AIDS,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral announced.

The said National HIV Summit, to be held on April 12 at the Manila Diamond Hotel, aims for a wide multi-sectoral representation from civil society, national and local government, private businesses, faith-based groups, development partners, academe, and media. It will present an intensified National HIV Program and come up with a national coordinated response on how everyone can work together to prevent the further spread of HIV and AIDS.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero will present a framework of the response, coverage of programmes, gaps in coverage, financing and fulfillment of provisions in R.A. 8504, otherwise known as the ‘Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.’ On the other hand, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Alicia Bala will discuss the Agenda for a Scaled-Up National Response, which shall lay down key actions and intended results for a national response including how much to mobilize for highest impact. A multisectoral workshop will also be facilitated by seasoned Consultant for development Mr. Mario Taguiwalo in the afternoon.

Cabral stressed that the Summit shall be a venue in providing information to stakeholders and leaders on the status of the HIV epidemic in the country, current national responses and the agenda for more intensified interventions. It will also serve as a venue to build and strengthen collaborations amongst key players in the national response and to meaningfully engage other players in the realization of harmonized, collaborative and scaled-up initiatives addressing the challenges of HIV and AIDS in the country. Towards the end of the program, the Summit envisions an alliance: partnerships renewed and new partnerships established.

Also, to promote a deeper appreciation of the HIV situation by attendees, poster exhibits shall be conducted side by side with the Summit. Delegates shall be given the opportunity to go through viewing posters that showcase good practices in the response to HIV and AIDS. SM-ZOTO and PUP Molave Theatre Guild will also present special performances about the lives of people living with HIV and related issues.

Other program highlights include a presentation of the national state of HIV and AIDS and the projected increase of the HIV burden by National Epidemiology Center Director Dr. Eric Tayag and a presentation by the Deputy Director of Disease Control and Head of the AIDS/STD Section of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia – Dr. Sha’ari Bin Ngadiman on the strategies in addressing the epidemic as implemented by neighbor countries.

The Summit will be open to media. Philippine National AIDS Council Chair Esperanza Cabral shall respond to workshop reports, including setting the roadmap for the response.

WORKSHOP ON MANAGING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND PANDEMICS USING THE INCIDENTS COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS)

From: DOH WebPage

Participants to the ASEAN Workshop on Managing Public Health Emergencies and Pandemics Using the Incidents Command System (ICS), led by National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo, recently met to construct a regional overview of achievements and gaps in the use of ICS in managing public health emergencies. The said workshop also aims to develop common understanding and highlight the importance of ICS for muliti-sectoral response, especially in facilitating continuity of operations and services during a severe pandemic.

HEALTH WORKERS SOON TO BE VACCINATED VS H1N1 VIRUS – DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/21 April 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) announced today that health workers all over the country will be vaccinated against the A(H1N1) virus during the latter part of April as part of the country’s response to the pandemic.

“Our frontline health workers are at higher risk for getting the disease than ordinary people due to their larger probability of exposure. In addition, they may also transmit the infection to other patients, as well as their families and co-workers, so it is appropriate that they be given priority now that the vaccines are ready for deployment”, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

The Health Chief noted that more than 420,000 health workers at the national and local levels and the public and private sectors will benefit from the vaccine. The 1.9 million doses of the vaccine arrived during the last week of March and are being shipped to the different regions of the country. Health workers from the regional health offices and local government units have been oriented prior to the distribution of the vaccine.

The vaccines represent the first tranche of the promised 9 million doses by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of an agreement with the Philippine government signed on November 25 last year.

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

The WHO made its commitment during the 60th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in September last year where it said that donations from developed countries and pharmaceuticals are enough to cover 10% of the population of the developing world. WHO requested the Philippine government to authorize the use of these vaccines.

Cabral said that next in the priority list for vaccination are about 2.5 million pregnant women. Subsequent shipments will be given to other priority groups such as children six months to five years old, those 60 years old and above, and those with chronic medical conditions.

TURKISH FLOUR SAMPLES UNDERGOING STRINGENT ANALYSIS - DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/6 April 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed today that samples of flour imported from Turkey are undergoing stringent analysis by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following media reports that these are potentially harmful to the health of consumers.

It was recently reported that substandard flour from Turkey that contain toxic substances are being dumped in the Philippines and used to make food products such as noodles and bread.

The DOH, through the FDA’s Laboratory Services Division, immediately moved to test samples for the presence of mycotoxins, particularly Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin, using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain species of fungi.

Six samples from Central Visayas and the National Capital Region were collected from March 9-22 and underwent laboratory analysis on March 27. Five of the flour samples were imported from Turkey, while one was from a local source. Initial results revealed that none of the samples had concentrations of Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin above the allowable limit. Despite these initial findings however, the FDA will conduct more thorough tests using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method (HPLC) the results of which will be released soon.

Meanwhile, representatives from manufacturers of Turkish flour being imported into the Philippines arrived in the country on March 26 to assure FDA officials that their products are fit for human consumption. The manufacturers also promised to submit a special certification from the Turkish government that their flour is safe, adding that Turkish flour is routinely tested for the presence of toxic substances by the Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs before being exported to other countries.

“We would like reassure the public that the DOH is on top of the situation”, said Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral. “If and when it is proven that Turkish flour is indeed unsafe, they can expect us to take immediate and decisive action”, she further added.

CABRAL GETS SUPPORT ON CONDOM DISTRIBUTION

From: DOH WebPage


Amid strong rejection from Philippine clergies, non-government organization Catholics for Choice recently offered their group’s support and encouraged Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral on her condom distribution efforts.

Catholics for Choice President Jon O’ Brien remarked that Cabral’s efforts will undoubtedly save lives as we confront the HIV and AIDS epidemic. He added that Cabral’s stance on the effectiveness of condom and her willingness to debate the bishops is not only making news internationally, but is also highlighting the Catholic hierarchy’s inappropriate interference in public policy.

O’ Brien describes Cabral’s willingness to remind people on the importance of condoms to protect their health and to save lives as a gesture of genuine concern. He added that it recognizes people’s ability to choose for themselves when it comes to issues affecting their health. It is also a position supported by Catholic social justice teaching and Catholics around the world.

During the observance of the 2001 World AIDS Day, Catholics for Choice launched a campaign in the United States, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, Chile, Zimbabwe and the Philippines dubbed as ‘Condoms4Life’. The said advertising campaign was the first phase of an effort to change the Vatican’s policy and challenge its aggressive lobbying against availability and access to condoms in the most-at-risk areas of the world. It is also aimed at raising public awareness on the devastating effect of the bishops’ ban on condoms.

In 2007, Catholics for Choice conducted a survey in the Philippines which showed that 77% of Catholics believe in the life-saving effects of condoms and believe using condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS is pro-life.

A UNAIDS report drafted in 2003 concludes that condoms have an estimated 90% rate of protection. The 10% failure rate does not mean that 1 in 10 condoms is defective. Condom failure can be attributed to human error such as when a condom slips off, breaks or is not used early enough.

According to the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, condoms sometimes fail due to failure to use it consistently or correctly.

Also, the World Health Organization disclosed that laboratory studies have established the impermeability of the male latex condom to infectious agents contained in genital secretions, including the smallest viruses.

“As the world has changed, people have also changed. The attitudes on sex have also become more mature, responsible and compassionate,” Cabral explained.

Cabral stressed that the health department’s stand to use condom was meant to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases because anyone is vulnerable to infection.