LET’S WORK TOGETHER – DOH TO FAITH-BASED GROUPS

From: DOH WebPage

Let us stop the bickering. Let us work together because lives are at stake.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral recently asked clergies to refrain from ‘word war’ but instead focus in finding a solution acceptable to all in order to reduce the number of individuals infected with HIV/AIDS.
As the number of infected individuals increase from one infection every three days in 2000, to one per day in 2007, and two infections per day in 2009, the country cannot afford to lose a day in stopping the spread of infection. Presently, Global Fund pays for the cost of medicines of people living with HIV/AIDS and these medicines are free only until 2012.

In the beginning, HIV was reportedly brought by returning overseas workers. Today, figures indicate that the spread is also emphasized local transmission. And with the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, experts agree that only one in four cases of HIV infection are reported.

“The government cannot do this task alone of reducing and preventing infections. I am glad that faith-based organizations now have opened their doors to this calling of caring and providing support to those infected and affected,” Cabral said.
At the First Catholic Forum on HIV/AIDS, Fr. Bob Vitillo of the Roman Catholic Church, said that it is the people themselves who will decide what they will do and not society nor the Church. He added that it will be based on their moral perspective and value system. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of government and the Church to re-enforce the value system.

In fact, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-NASSA is planning a follow up to the First Catholic Forum on HIV/AIDS in order to train its network members for pastoral counseling and a seminar for those working in hospitals.

Brother Donald Cancino of the Order of Saint Camilus revealed that one of the mandates of their organization is for every region to become involved in HIV ministry. Brother Cancino said that after joining training workshops, they were finally allowed to do bedside visitations with patients at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and San Lazaro Hospital.

Their group also began training their own men and theologians and opened training programs to the Daughters of Charity, Good Shepherd Sisters, and Sisters of the Holy Spirit.

Also, faith-based organizations and government institutions have conducted education programs to help people who are afraid of undergoing HIV testing. Faith-based organizations observed that the problem with some government agencies is that they only play with the numbers and do not go deeply enough into the situation of infected people.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also conducted activities focused on policy development, capability building and education, and providing treatment, care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

On the other hand, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for the years 2005-2008 provided technical assistance in the formulation of the AIDS Medium Term Plan IV. The NEDA also prepared the National AIDS Spending Assessment for the years 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 to track down amount of resources spent for HIV/AIDS in aid of planning.

The family and society's development is influenced by their faith to a major extent. The upcoming 2010 HIV Summit is at Manila Diamond Hotel on April 12, 2010; will deal with the current concerns of these sectors in the country. Several faithbased groups will attend to this event tp share their commitment and response to this epidemic.

DOH URGES INTEGRATION OF HIV/AIDS IN SCHOOL CURRICULA

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/26 March 2010

In order to implement a more effective campaign against HIV and AIDS in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) strongly urged that information on the modes of transmission, prevention and control of this disease be integrated in the curricula of all institutions of learning. The country’s HIV and AIDS situation has reached alarming proportions as it is now described as “expanding and growing”, from the previous “low and slow” and “hidden and growing” phases.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral noted that risk behaviors are high among males who have sex with males (MSM), people in prostitution and people who inject drugs (PWID). This was reflected in the 2009 Integrated HIV Behavioral Serologic Surveillance results. These groups are considered the most-at-risk populations (MARPs), while young adults, overseas Filipino workers, persons with multiple sex partners, and partners of those in the MARPs are considered as vulnerable. “Education is a potent weapon in combating this disease, hence the integration in school curricula is vital”, Cabral stressed.

To address the present situation, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have all integrated HIV/AIDS issues and concerns in their respective plans and activities. Local government units are assisted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in establishing Local AIDS Councils and launching AIDS awareness activities. The DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and DILG have also entered into a Joint Memorandum Circular to operationalize the Regional AIDS Assistance Teams that will provide technical assistance to HIV prevention and control activities of LGUs. People living with HIV or the “Positive Community: are also conducting HIV education initiatives and forming support groups to other HIV-positive Filipinos and their families. Among the organizations leading this effort are the Positive Action Foundation Philippines
Inc. (PAFPI), the PinoyPlus Association and BabaePlus Association.

Rule 2, Section 6 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8504 or the National AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 provides the rationale of HIV-related education and information campaigns. It indicates that “the provision of timely, adequate, appropriate and relevant HIV education and information shall empower persons and communities to think and act in ways that protect themselves from HIV infection, minimize the risk of HIV transmission and decrease the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS”.

“ON THE MOVE AGAINST TB, INNOVATE TO ACCELERATE ACTION”: DOH MARKS 2010 WORLD TB DAY

From: DOH WebPgae

The Department of Health (DOH) revealed today that the current year 2010 is the halfway mark of the 2006-2015 Global Plan to stop Tuberculosis, or TB. This year’s theme, “On the Move Against TB, Innovate to Accelerate Action”, speaks of the need for new ways to make anti-TB services even more accessible and efficient.

The Philippines has itself made great strides in combating TB. From a high mortality rate of 38.2 deaths per 100,000 population in 1990, the Philippine Health Statistics reported a lower rate of 31/100,000.

While the Philippines is still included in the World Health Organization (WHO) watchlist of 22 high-burden countries, it has lowered its ranking in TB prevalence from 7th to 9th. TB also remains the 6th leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country, but experts have observed a decreasing trend.

The country has also made notable improvements in TB case detection, reflected by the increase over the past five years in the number of all TB cases identified, from 134,000 to 150,000 per year. Almost half a million smear positive cases were started on treatment and 90% have been successfully treated.

In pursuit of further success, the National TB Program (NTP) formulated the Philippine Plan of Action to Control TB 2010-2015 (PhilPACT) with the support of the WHO and the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID) through the TB-LINC and Health Policy Development Projects.

Administrative orders have also been formulated and implemented for the provision of services in selected sites for multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) patients, those with TB and HIV, prisoners/inmates with TB and for the nationwide expansion of TB services for children.

“We must scale up efforts and continue to seek new and innovative ways to stop TB if we are to successfully attain targets under the Millennium Development Goals”, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral declared. Secretary Cabral also noted that, in collaboration with the Philhealth, more than 500 TB-DOTS facilities (public and private) have been certified and accredited in 2009. Patients can access the TB Outpatient Benefit Package of Philhealth.

Services in the urban poor areas have also been enhanced through the involvement of non-government organizations in Tondo, Manila and Payatas, Quezon City through the support and collaboration of the NTP, the Research Institute for Tuberculosis and the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Foundation.

Secretary Cabral likewise stressed the importance of private sector involvement through the Philippine Coalition against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT). The private sector contributed nearly 10,000 cases detected under the Public-Private Mix DOTS (PPMD) strategy.

In all these initiatives, the DOH has been the primary provider of anti-TB drugs for all cases detected under the Program.

DOH SUPPORTS WORKPLACE FOR ADOPTING ‘AIDS IN THE WORKPLACE’ PROGRAM

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today revealed that the Philippines witnessed a sharp increase in the number of diagnosed HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases in the last three years. Majority of these recorded cases belong to the economically-productive age group.

“In 2000, an average of one new case is diagnosed every three days. In 2007, it rose to one new case per day. Last year, there were two new cases diagnosed in a day,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

Due to the rising trend and because most infections can be found among economically-productive individuals, Cabral explained that the business sector is in a position to help curb the rising trend in HIV infections by setting up policies and programs in the workplace. This program is also in consonance to provisions in Republic Act 8504 or the AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998.

The health chief added that HIV/AIDS programs in the workplace is a vital response because the disease increases business costs like increased burden of healthcare provision, lower productivity of infected employees, loss of skilled workers, increased risks in the workplace and indifference among employees.

The midterm assessment of the Philippine AIDS Medium Term Plan IV recommended the strengthening of partnership with the private sector. However, the Philippine Business for Social Progress noted in 2008 that private sector involvement and response to HIV/AIDS in the workplace has yet to be strengthened.

Few companies led by Chairperson of Shell companies in the Philippines Ed Chua has taken the role of being the ‘Business Champion for Health of the Philippines to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.’ As a result, several companies had signified their interest to establish ‘AIDS in the Workplace’ program.

Organizations that support the ‘AIDS in the Workplace’ program include Philippine Business for Social Progress, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, International Labour Organization, UNAIDS, and the Philippine National AIDS Council. A partnership agreement is envisioned to be drawn to describe the roles and responsibilities of each organization for this initiative.

“The rising number of HIV cases in the workforce makes it imperative for business to take drastic action to prevent new infections in the labor sector,“ Cabral stressed, adding that the tripartite workplace sector (including government-management-labor sectors) should highlight interventions targeted to address risky behaviors, because this sector also includes a vast number of customers and clients, which may include the most-at-risk populations.

Meanwhile, a one day National HIV/AIDS Summit will be held on 12 April 2010 at the Manila Diamond Hotel to inform national leaders on the current state of HIV/AIDS in the country and the need for urgent action towards meeting the Millennium Development Goal 6, particularly HIV. The workplace sector is one of the sectors to attend this event.

FIRST PHILIPPINE GLOBAL ADULT TOBACCO SURVEY SHOWS MANY FILIPINOS EXPOSED TO SECOND-HAND SMOKE

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today disclosed that almost half of the Filipinos surveyed in the first Philippine Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) revealed that they live in homes where smoking is allowed.

In coordination with the National Statistics Office, a total of 9,705 individuals in rural and urban areas of the country 15 years of age and older (to represent 61.3 million Filipinos) were selected and interviewed in 2009. Of this number, 28.3% were current tobacco smokers, representing 17.3 million Filipinos and 22.5% or approximately 13.8 million Filipinos smoke every day. The average age of initiation for daily smokers 18-34 years old was 17.4 years old.

The GATS data revealed that almost half (48.8% or 29.8 million) of Filipinos are exposed to cigarette smoke in their homes and 54% (32.9 million) reported that someone smokes at least monthly in their homes.

The knowledge, attitude and perception of the respondents that smoking causes serious illness were very high at 94%; 95.6% believe that smoking can cause lung cancer, heart attack (81.3%) and stroke (75.5%).

More importantly, among those who work indoors, 65.4% of their worksites have policies “disallowing” smoking yet 13.9% were exposed to second hand smoke (SHS). More than a quarter (25.5%) of Filipinos who visited a government building during the past 30 days were similarly exposed. while 55.3% (28 million) Filipinos who used the public transport during the past month were exposed to SHS.

“This is why we are urging cigarette manufacturers to put graphic health warnings on their products”, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said, adding that there is also a need to work fast towards 100% smoke-free environments where there is still very high exposure of second-hand smoke at homes, public places and indoor places.

Cabral also said that communities and local government units need to address this issue by passing ordinances to strengthen provisions of RA9211 or the Tobacco Regulatory Act of 2003 on "Healthful Environment" without exemptions.

The GATS is a standardized global survey for systematically monitoring adult tobacco use and tracking key tobacco control indicators. The Philippine GATS is a joint collaborative effort of the Philippine Department of Health and the National Statistics Office, the field implementing agency. Technical support was provided by the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

DOH ADVOCATES FOR WELLNESS THROUGH COMPLIANCE TO MEDICINES REGIMEN

From: DOH WebPage

With medicine prices going down, the DOH is now reminding our public to use medicines rationally and to complete their prescribed treatment regimen.

Local and international trends are geared towards wellness. Rather than be burdened with the high costs of treatment, especially of hospitalizations, people tend to prefer to invest in the prevention of diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and environments. This wellness concept saves money and improves quality of lives.

“Engaging in sports promotes Wellness. Like sports and healthy lifestyles, compliance to medicines regimen is also Wellness. If you take your prescribed medicines rationally and correctly, you will feel better, live longer, be more productive, and have a good quality of life,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral stated.

The DOH has launched this “Compliance to Medicines is Wellness” campaign today in ceremonies held at the Philippine Sports Commission compound, the training grounds for Manny Pacquiao during his amateur days. It was witnessed and supported by PSC Chair Harry Angping, a key official in the promotion of Sports and Wellness in the country. The event aims to promote sports and the rational use of medicines.

“Our efforts to bring down prices of medicines would be incomplete if people persist on not completing their treatment,” Cabral explained. “One common malpractice is when patients stop completing antibiotic courses when their symptoms are gone because it costs too much money to complete a course. But this leads to antibiotic resistance which in turn pushes doctors to prescribe more expensive antibiotics later on.”

An example is the antibiotic Amoxicillin which is just around three (3) pesos. To complete a treatment of seven (7) days and cure you of a bacterial infection, you need 21 capsules that cost 63 pesos only. If the infection becomes resistant to Amoxicillin, to complete a course of another antibiotic, this may cost from 700 pesos to more than 1,000 pesos.

Cabral further mentions that, “Even if you suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, regular intake of prescribed maintenance drugs promises a better quality of life, with less risk for complications or hospitalizations. The lowered costs of medicines now allow our people to comply and complete their treatment courses and take their medicines religiously, if needed.”

These lowered prices of medicines are due to initiatives by government to engage industry to bring down their prices as well as to the competition provided for by lower priced generics whether from local or from multinational sources.

“What we are promoting here are low cost medicines, whether branded or generic. These medicines offer competition that put pressure on high priced medicines to bring down their prices. Generic competition helps and even multinational companies now are geared towards having quality affordable generic lines for their products,” Cabral stressed.

“Manny Pacquiao is our hero. His discipline is an inspiration to us all. And we want our people to exhibit the same discipline in taking medicines as Manny does in training for fights especially now that medicine prices are going down,” Cabral said.

The DOH announced last month the second round of government mediated price reductions that covered 98 medicines. These covered medicines for dialysis, cancer, prostatic disorders, asthma, depression, hypertension, among others. A majority of these price cuts would be effective March 31, 2010. The first round happened August last year where prices of more than 100 medicines were cut by 50%.

TOKEN OF APPRECIATION FOR HUMANITARIAN TEAM TO HAITI

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral (8th from left)gave a token of appreciation to the Philippine Humanitarian Team to Haiti for their unconditional dedication and perseverance in demonstrating the Filipino work of healing and caring to others during tiimes of disaster. The team, led by Dr. Emmanuel Bueno of the East Avenue Medical Center, is compose of Dr. Arnel Rivera, Dr.Romeo Bituin, Dr.Glomar Malana, Dr. Edilberto Tamayo, Dr. Christian Lee, Dr. Ryan Conrad Carnero, Dr. Alexander Ramos, Dr. Jose Evan Pagunsan, dr. David Mendoza, and Dr. Roland Cruz. Other members include Ms. Mayo Santiago, Mr. Willy Viloria, Mr. Dennis de Guzman, Mr. Ceasario Castro, Ms. Celia Pangan, Ms. remedios Guerrero, Ms. Bernaden de Leon, Engr. William Sabater, Engr. Paulino Garcia and Mr Rammel Eric Martinez. Also in photo are Undersecretary Alexander Padilla (6th from left), Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan (7th from left), Undersecretary David Lozada (9th from left), and assistant secretary Gerardo Bayugo (10th from left)

MOST DOH HOSPITALS FULLY COMPLIANT WITH TOTAL MERCURY PHASE-OUT

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/ 4 March 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) reported today that 16 out of the 20 DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila have fully complied with the directive on phasing out the use of all apparatuses or devices in the healthcare system that contain mercury.

The phase-out is in keeping with Administrative Order No. 2008-0021 which mandates the gradual phase-out of mercury in all Philippine health care facilities and institutions.

The move to stop the use of all medical devices containing mercury was jumpstarted in 1991, when the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that a safe level for mercury that would not have any adverse effects on a person’s health has never been established.

The list of 16 fully-compliant hospitals include San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Valenzuela Medical Center, National Center for Mental Health, East Avenue Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Rizal Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Lung Center of the Philippines and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

In a report to Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral last 24 February 2010, there were only four remaining DOH-retained hospitals in Metro Manila that have not yet fully complied with the phase-out.

These four hospitals are the National Children’s Hospital, Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center and National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

The National Children’s Hospital is still using mercurial sphygmomanometers while awaiting delivery of digital sphygmomanometers, while the Heart Center has fully phased out mercurial thermometers, but still has functioning mercurial blood pressure devices that are waiting to be replaced.

The National Kidney and Transplant Institute is still using 11 mercurial sphygmomanometers but these are only used as back up in their hemodialysis units and are awaiting replacements. The Amang Rodriguez Medical Center retrieved nine mercurial blood pressure apparatuses from the condemned equipment damaged by Typhoon Ondoy but these too are due to be replaced soon.

Meanwhile, four compliant hospitals were recognized by the group Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia. These are the San Lazaro Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.

According to the Health Chief, mercury must be phased out because of its potentially harmful effects to a person’s health. Mercury can damage the nervous, digestive, respiratory, endocrine and immune systems. It can also cause tremors, impaired vision and hearing, paralysis, insomnia, emotional instability, developmental effects on a fetus, and attention deficit and developmental delays during childhood.

“With all the hazards posed by mercury, it is high time that we complete the implementation of its total phase-out in all hospitals and health facilities”, Cabral concluded.

DOH ANNOUNCES SECOND WAVE OF DRUG PRICE REDUCTION

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/26 February 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) upon instructions from Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, today announced the second wave of drug price reductions under the Government Mediated Access Price (GMAP).

The new set of price reductions includes the following drugs/medicines: anti-hypercholesterolemia (Ezetrol and Vytorin),anti-hypertensive (Cozaar and Hyzaar), anti-depressant (Seroxat), anti-psychotic (Leponex), anti-cancer (Tykerb, Zoladex, Zoladex LA and Leunase), anti-asthma (Ventolin Rotapack), anti-coagulant (Coumadin and Fraxiparine), anti-glaucoma (Betoptic, Ciloxan, Isoptocarpine and Quinax), medicines for prostate disorders (Avodart) and fluids for patients on kidney dialysis.

Also included are new introductions into the market, whose prices are amongst the lowest when compared with similar products in the same therapeutic categories. These include the following: anti-hepatitis B/anti-viral (Revovir), antibiotic/anti-bacterial (Levofloxacin Winthrop), anti-inflammatory/pain reliever (Meloxicam Winthrop) and anti-asthma (Seretide with a new device).

“We are happy that eleven drug companies responded to our request and offered their medicines for price reduction. We would like to thank them for their cooperation and also encourage other pharmaceutical companies to follow suit. We shall continue to study how we can achieve the greatest impact from such interventions that will benefit all Filipinos, especially the poor,” Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral said.

Most of these price reductions will be effective come March 31, 2010, with a few more to be implemented at a later date when supply issues have already been addressed.

This round of the GMAP is calculated to affect more than two billion pesos of the market, and is expected to generate one billion pesos worth of savings for the public. “Imagine the benefit to chronic kidney disease patients, for example. A 30% cut in their expenses for medicines will translate to an added four months worth of dialysis treatments per year”, Cabral added.

BE CAUTIOUS IN BUYING FOOD SUPPLEMENTS - DOH

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/25 February 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to be cautious in buying food and herbal supplements, saying that these are not meant to be alternatives to medicines and sound medical advice from physicians.

The sale of food and herbal supplements has exploded into a billion-peso industry in the Philippines over the past few years, with the advertisements bombarding the public in all forms of media. The employment of celebrity endorsers with testimonials about their supposed "curative" effects has made it an even more lucrative venture.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, however, expressed her concern that many people are wasting hard-earned money on these supplements. "Many are being misled into thinking that these supplements can cure diseases when in fact they can't", said the health chief. Former Health Secretary Dr. Alberto Romualdez, chair of the Medicines Transparency Alliance Philippines (MeTA-Philippines), also said in recent media reports that of the P150 billion being spent for health in the Philippines, about half goes down the drain because there are used on products which have no effects on the health or wellnesss of people.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is under the DOH, has repeatedly issued warnings to the public to always check whether the products they buy are approved by the FDA and are marked with the disclaimer "NO APPROVED THERAPEUTIC CLAIMS". Secretary Cabral has also ordered the translation of the warning into Filipino for the greater understanding of the public. Manufacturers of food supplements shall be required to put the Filipino translation of the disclaimer in the packaging of their products, as well as in all advertising, promotion and sponsorship materials.

"We are not against the food and herbal supplements industry, but it is in the best interest of the people that they be armed with the right information on these products". Cabral said.

DOH RELEASES HEALTH ADVISORY AS EL NINO’S EFFECTS FELT

From: DOH WebPage


Press Release/ 19 February 2010

The Department of Health’s National Center for Health Promotion (NCHP) and National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) recently released a health advisory to the public as the country begins to feel the effects of El Nino.

The El Nino phenomenon is characterized by extreme climactic conditions – either extreme temperature rise with a little rainfall, and the opposite extreme, unusually heavy rainfall. The former condition is what the Philippines is currently experiencing. “This extremely hot weather carries with it its own effects on health, so we came out with an advisory to inform the public about the potential health risks, and what they can do to safeguard themselves,” Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

Potential health risks brought by the onset of El Nino include diarrhea, cholera and skin diseases (due to water scarcity or shortage), paralytic shellfish poisoning (due to red tide blooms), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke (due to high temperatures). The DOH advises the public to do the following, among other precautions: conserve water and protect it from contamination, drink more fluids, avoid strenuous physical activities, wear light clothing and listen to updates on shellfish bans.

The DOH also has a health advisory for the upcoming summer season, which has added information on disorders usually associated with the summer months such as sunburn, sore eyes, flu, chickenpox, measles and hypertension. “For many Filipinos, summer is a time for fun and festivities, but they must always remember to put their health on top of their priorities,” Cabral further added.

FREE CONDOMS A PART OF ANTI-HIV/AIDS CAMPAIGN

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/16 February 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified today that the condoms given last Valentine’s weekend were not meant to promote artificial contraception, but rather a reminder to the public of the importance of responsible sexual behavior in combating the threat of HIV/AIDS. The Ingat Lagi, My Valentine campaign, which was held last February 13 at the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila, has received criticism from the Catholic Church for supposedly being “immoral”.

The DOH, reiterating the words of Deputy Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo, explained that the condom distribution should not be construed as a signal that the government is advocating sexual licentiousness. The free condoms were just a tool of a creative campaign aimed at promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention at a most opportune time – Valentine’s Day.

The DOH emphasized the fact that it was not pushing condom use as the exclusive method to combat HIV/AIDS, as some critics of the Ingat Lagi campaign accused, and defended the activity as just part of the three-point campaign to combat HIV/AIDS known by the acronym ABC – A for “abstinence from sex”, B for “be faithful to your partner” and C for “condom use”. The health agency also pointed out that the distribution of the condoms to adults was undertaken by a private merchandising firm, DKT, and that the government did not spend for the procurement of the condoms, as it was also DKT that supplied them. The DOH’s role in the campaign was focused on raising public awareness and information dissemination, as it employed counselors to explain the ABC campaign to the throng of people that crowded Dangwa last Saturday.

The DOH further said that it will continue to push the ABC program more aggressively in light of reports of the alarming increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the country, so as to empower the public with information on how to deal with this threat. This information will then allow individuals to choose and use the most appropriate means to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.

CABRAL ADVOCATES 100% SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACES

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral reminds government employees and the general public transacting business with government that smoking is prohibited in government buildings, grounds and premises.

In places providing services relating to health and youth activity, such as hospitals, health centers, schools, universities and colleges, smoking is absolutely prohibited and “smoking areas” are not allowed.

Except for places where smoking is absolutely prohibited, smoking is allowed only in designated and marked outdoor smoking areas that are located in an open-space with no permanent or temporary roof or walls and 10 meters away from entrances, exits or any place where people pass or congregate. Smoking Area signages must also be highly visible and prominently displayed.

Cabral said that these provisions are stipulated under Civil Service Commission’s Memorandum Circular No. 17, series of 2009. Any complaints filed by co-workers or the public will be investigated and violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The policy is designed to promote safe and healthy workplaces and to protect government workers from secondhand smoke, which can cause life-threatening diseases. Secondhand smoke is the smoke that comes from the tip of a burning cigarette, pipe or cigar and when a smoker exhales.

Conclusive scientific evidence confirms that workers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 35-50% increased risk of heart disease. Constant exposure to secondhand smoke nearly doubles the risk of a heart attack. Moreover, workers exposed to secondhand smoke at work have a 25% elevated risk of lung cancer.

The effects of secondhand smoke on lung function are similar to smoking a few sticks a day. It can cause emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.

Cabral said that seven (7) out of every 10 smokers want to quit smoking, and smoke-free policies can help smokers quit successfully by reducing environmental triggers and not allowing smoking to be the norm.

According to the Social Weather Station Survey of Filipinos on Smoking, commissioned by the Department of Health’s “Bloomberg Initiative-Philippines OC-400 Project,” which was done in the last quarter of 2009, about 27% of Filipinos are current smokers. The proportion of smokers is similar in Luzon and Visayas, but slightly higher in Mindanao (30%). The percentage of smokers in rural areas is pegged at 28% while in urban areas it is 27%.

By income class, more smokers are found in the Class E at 31% followed by Class D at 26% and Class ABC with only 21%. By sex, 46% of males and 8% of females smoke. By age, 30% of smokers belong to the 35 to 44 years old age bracket. This is followed by 18 to 24 years old where 26% smoke, and by age 55 years or older, it is down to 22%. By educational attainment, only 20% of those who completed college education smoke, while up to 32% of those with no formal education smoke.

The SWS Study also revealed that only 57% of Filipinos said that they have never smoked before. The average consumption is similar across all areas at 11 sticks per day.

The majority of the respondents are aware of tobacco regulation laws in the country and that 74% of Filipinos recognize the health benefit from laws enforcing smoke-free areas. Opposition to secondhand smoke is pegged at 93% nationwide, strongest in Visayas (95%) and Luzon (92%) and weakest in Mindanao (91%).

Cabral noted that the campaign of government and anti-tobacco advocates on 100% smoke-free environments is gaining momentum as many Filipinos are against exposure to secondhand smoke.

“Speak up, non-smokers! Let smokers around you know that you mind,” Cabral concluded.

BREAST OVERTAKES LUNG AS NO. 1 CANCER SITE IN METRO MANILA AND RIZAL

From: DOH Webpage

In a joint announcement by Department of Health (DOH) secretary Esperanza I. Cabral and Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI) chairman Dr. Roberto M. Paterno, breast cancer is now the most common cancer site in terms of incidence in Metro Manila and Rizal and has surpassed lung cancer as the most prevalent cancer.

“This is significant as far as the DOH cancer control program and the PCS advocacy for prevention and early detection as we need to intensify efforts to save our women from this deadly disease,” said Sec. Cabral during the recently-held formal turnover ceremonies of the publication, “Cancer in the Philippines,” as part of the celebration of World Cancer Day (February 4).

For his part, Dr. Paterno said that the Society will enhance its free mammography services and fine needle aspiration biopsy to accommodate more indigent patients. “We shall also boost our education and information activities around the country to teach women on how to early detect breast cancer so that it can be successfully cured,” Paterno added.

Unfortunately, there is no effective detection method for lung cancer. It is usually diagnosed at an incurable stage. Still, lung cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco products.

Also, according to the cancer monograph, the top ten cancer sites for both sexes now stands at breast, lung, liver, cervix, colon, thyroid, rectum, ovary, prostate and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In men, the five common cancer sites are lung, liver, prostate, colon and rectum while for females, these are breast, cervix, ovary, thyroid and lung.

These rankings cover the period 1998-2002 and validated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The IARC collects cancer incidence and mortality data from participating countries during five-year periods.

The PCS is a non-stock, non-profit organization with more than fifty years of service in cancer research, education and information for prevention and early detection, patient services, palliative treatment and hospice care. The Society also maintains a free consultation and referral clinic every Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at its main office at 310 San Rafael St., San Miguel, Manila. Other cancer information can be seen at .

FREE MORPHINE FOR INDIGENT CANCER PATIENTS

From: DOH WebPage

Pain management is one of the most important aspects of health care especially for those with chronic or terminal illnesses yet scores of Filipino patients are suffering from pain unnecessarily due to lack of accessibility and availability of opioid medicines such as morphine.

Although eliminating pain is clinically possible as there are a number of safe and effective methods that treat pain such as opioid analgesics (i.e. morphine), it is often left untreated because access to these controlled medications is a problem for many. Impediments in regulation, procurement, and knowledge and attitude on opioids often pose obstacles in the adequate use of these drugs for medical purposes.

The Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Accessibility and Availability of Opioid for Pain and Palliative Care is a multidisciplinary, multisectoral group that facilitates and advocates for policies that improve accessibility and availability of opioid analgesics for pain and palliative care in the country created in April 2008. With the primary objective of breaking the barriers and other misconceptions about opioids, and in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and other partner agencies, the TWG has initiated and implemented activities for opioid accessibility and availability in the past years.

PHILIPPINE HUMANITARIAN TEAM BUCKLES DOWN

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/3 February 2010

The 21-man Philippine Humanitarian Team sent by the Department of Health (DOH) hit the ground running upon their arrival in quake-devastated Haiti, as they immediately rendered badly-needed medical services at two locations in the capital Port-au-Prince, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral reported today.

Cabral disclosed that after consultation with the Health Cluster coordinator, Dr. Dana Van Alphen, the team chose to serve at the Hospitalier Eliazar Germain, a 45-bed facility one-and-a-half hours away from the United Nations base where the team had set up camp. The Philippine humanitarian team replaced the Miami Medical Mission, which had been managing the hospital until they pulled out last January 30. There the team performed debridement and other surgical procedures for wounded patients.

Part of the team also rendered medical services at the Stade Sylvio Cator, a nearby football stadium turned into an evacuation camp. The group provided rapid health assessment and performed surgeries and wound dressing. The psychosocial team, on the other hand, was prepared to provide stress debriefing to UN peacekeeping personnel, including Filipinos, with UN base psychiatrist Dr. Yousupha Niang. They also visited four areas where Filipinos affected by the earthquake had temporarily settled in tents to provide mental and psychosocial support.

“Our team has performed admirably and was able to provide excellent service to the victims of the earthquake, Filipinos and Haitians alike,” Cabral concluded.

PGMA SENDS OFF PHILIPPINE MEDICAL TEAM TO HAITI; SECOND BATCH TO BE DEPLOYED

From: DOH WebPage

Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo thanked the 21-man Philippine humanitarian team bound for Haiti in the send-off ceremony in Malacanang yesterday. President Arroyo noted that the filipinos had been the beneficiary of the international commuity's generosity during Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, and the sending of the medical team to Haiti was a way through which the country could give back.

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral disclosed that a second team, composed mostly of psychosocial nurses and sanitary engineers, will be sent to Haiti within the next two weeks. Cabral also acknowledged Haiti's Honorary Consul to the Philippines, Mr. George Schulze, who was instrumental in facilitating the issuance of visas to the entire Philippine humanitarian team.

The first batch of Filipino humanitarian workers are composed of team leader Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Drs. Arnel Rivera, Glomar Malana, Ryan Conrad Carnero, Edilbert Tamayo, Alexander Ramos, Romeo BItuin, Christian Lee, Jose Evan Pagunsan, Dave Mendoza, Rolando Cruz and Rammel Martinez, Nurses Celia Pangan, Dennis de Guzman, Cesar Castro, Willy Veloria and Mayo Santiago, Sanitary Engineers William Sabater and Paulino Refuerzo Padilla, and Psychosocial Nurses Remedios Guerrero and Bernarden De Leon.

OATHTAKING

From: DOH WebPage

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo swears in Dr. Esperanza I. Cabral as the new Department of Health Secretary during simple rites held at Malacañang Palace, Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

RP Medical Team Off to Haiti on January 25

From: DOH WebPage

22 January 2010

Health Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral reported today that the Philippine humanitarian team bound for Haiti to render medical assistance in the earthquake-stricken country will leave on Monday, January 25, 2010.

“We are very pleased that so many people helped us in this worthy project to reach out and help those in need,” said Cabral, who highlighted the assistance of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Philippine Airlines Foundation (PALF), FedEx and the Department of National Defense (DND).

The health chief disclosed that PAL and PALF provided free plane tickets for the whole humanitarian team for the Manila-San Francisco leg of their route. From there, the team will take a connecting flight to Miami, and then to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. PAL and PALF also shouldered the tickets for the team’s trip home from San Francisco back to the Philippines.

The FedEx Group, on the other hand, will be transporting the team’s cargo and medical supplies for free, while the DND, led by Lt. Col. Lopez Dagoy, will take care of handling the cargo when it arrives in Haiti.

The Philippine humanitarian team is composed of general and orthopedic surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, epidemiologists, psychiatrists and sanitary engineers from DOH hospitals and facilities, as well as local government units. The team leader is Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, Chief of the Emergency Department and Health Emergency Management Service (HEMS) Coordinator at East Avenue Medical Center. According to HEMS Director Dr. Carmencita Banatin, the team will be in Haiti for 18 days.

“In any disaster, the world can always count on the compassion and assistance of the Filipinos,” Cabral concluded

Humanitarian Team to Haiti

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral (3rd from left) giving detailed instructions to Health Emergency Management Staff Director Dr. Carmencita Banatin (2nd from left) on the deployment of a medical team to Haiti. The 21-member team will be composed of general and orthopedic surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, nurses, epidemiologists, psychiatrists, and sanitary engineers. Also in photo are Health Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan and Undersecretary Mario Villaverde.

The Doctor Is In

From: DOH WebPage

Newly-minted Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral immediately plunged into action as she held an early morning briefing with top DOH officials led by Undersecretaries Mario Villaverde and Alexander Padilla, who updated Secretary Cabral on the accomplishments of the Department, as well as its current goals and thrusts.

That same morning, Secretary Cabral, heeding President Arroyo's instruction for the country to join multinational relief efforts for Haiti, has also ordered the deployment of a medical team composed of doctors, nurses and sanitary engineers to the quake-devastated Caribbean nation. Usec. Villaverde, Director Maylene Beltran of the Bureau of International Health Cooperation and Director Carmencita Banatin of the Health Emergency Management Services met with Undersecretary Esteban Cornejos and Atty. Enrico Fos of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to coordinate the sending of the Filipino medical contingent.

At the DOH turn-over ceremonies later in the day, the Secretary thanked the DOH personnel for the warm welcome given to her, and lauded the accomplishments of the DOH under former Secretary Duque's term. She also called on them to join her in her drive to reduce the inequities in the country's health services and to set the groundwork for the next administration in improving the entire Philippine healthcare system during the five-and-a-half months that she will be at the helm of the DOH

Hazard Map of Northern Mindanao

DOH SEEKS TOTAL BAN OF FIRECRACKERS AFTER TWO DEATHS

From: DOH WebPage

Press Release/4 January 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today recommended the complete banning of firecrackers and fireworks in residential areas after it claimed the lives of two revelers last New Year’s celebration.

“We are recommending the total ban because this is the first time that deaths due to firecrackers have been reported. In the previous years, fatalities were mainly due to watusi ingestion and stray bullets,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The health chief said that in the 18 years of the existence of the DOH Philippine Fireworks Injury Surveillance (DOH-PFIS), it is only now that deaths due to pyrotechnic devices were reported.

“The two deaths involved a seven year-old male from Cabanatuan City and a 29 year-old male from Baguio City. Both died of cerebral concussion secondary to blasting last January 1,” Secretary Duque said.

The DOH-PFIS disclosed that the seven year-old boy was hit by a kwitis, a legal firecracker, on his upper eye lid on December 31. He then suffered a concussion and was rushed to the hospital where he died the next day, January 1. He was a passive case because he was just a bystander.

The other fatality was reportedly intoxicated when he lighted the jumbo kwiton bomb on January 1. When the firecracker exploded, he was hit in his right temple. He was dead on arrival when he was brought to the hospital. His cause of death was brain hemorrhage due to the blasting. The firecracker that killed him is not on the list of legal fireworks.

“We should take the total banning of firecrackers even more seriously now with these two deaths. We should not just ban the kwitis and the new illegal ‘cracker that cause the deaths of these two individuals because if the seemingly harmless watusi is able to not just maim but kill, then the other so-called legal firecrackers might also do the same in the future. We can’t risk more lives anymore before we take the big step of totally banning these potentially killer pyrotechnic devices,” Secretary Duque explained.

The DOH-PFIS reported that compared to the five-year average (2004-2009/same period), there is an increase of 13 cases or 1%.

There are 50 sentinel hospitals nationwide reporting to the DOH-PFIS this year.

DUQUE: FIREWORK INJURIES DOWN BUT STRAY BULLETS UP, NO DEATHS

From: DOH Webpage

The Department of Health officially announced today 597 firework-related injuries from 43 (86%) reporting sentinel hospitals all over the country for the period December 21,2009-January 1,2010.

“This is the fourth lowest number of firework-related injuries recorded in the country in the annual Iwas Paputok surveillance in the past decade,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III revealed.

The number of cases decreased by 15% compared to the previous year when there were 702 injuries (683 from fireworks, 17 from stray bullets and 2 from watusi ingestion). It also decreased by 153 cases (20%) compared to the five-year average from 2004-2008.

The decrease may have been due to the fewer use of or more cautious use of fireworks.

“We were relentless in our drive against firework use. In fact, we even employed scare tactics that showed the public vivid images of severely mangled limbs and a tray of surgical instruments used for limb amputation,” Duque explained

The public too may have welcomed the New Year with injury-free alternative merry-making devices such as the torotot and blaring radios. Also, the health chief attributed the decrease in the number of cases to more ways of celebrating the New Year such as concerts, street parties and public display of fireworks in open spaces which are done by pyrotechnic professionals.

This year there were 570 injuries from fireworks, 26 from stray bullets and 1 from watusi ingestion.

Firework injuries affected ages from 2months-75 years, median 13 years, mostly males (456 or 80%). Three hundred fifty-three (62%) were active users, 453 (79%) had blast/burn injuries without amputation, 39 (6%) had blast/burn injuries with amputation and 78 (15%) had eye injuries.

Piccolo was the single most frequently used firecracker that caused 208 (36%) firework injuries. Piccolo is cheap and easily accessible to children. Piccolo was recommended for banning since 2007. This year, the PNP intensified its campaign to ban Piccolo. However, injuries from Piccolo increased by 100 cases or 93% compared to last year. Without these, the total number of injuries would have been significantly lower.

Meanwhile, stray bullet injuries increased by 9 cases (53%) compared to the previous year. Ages ranged from 8 to 51 years. Cases were mostly from NCR with 18 cases or 69%.

“Overall, we are pleased with the continually decreasing number of firework-related injuries which we recorded in the past years. We continue to advocate for safer ways of welcoming the New Year. We also advise those injured to go to the nearest health facility to get anti-tetanus shots,” Duque said.

Secretary Duque also acknowledged the efforts of hospitals, both public and private, for attending to injured patients during the revelry and for reporting cases to the DOH National Epidemiology Center.

“I also thank local government units who have successfully implemented our DOH Kontra Pautok program, which contributed to the successful decrease in the number of this year’s fireworks-related injuries, “ Duque concluded.

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.