Dengue drive gaining in Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga - With a more aggressive campaign to eliminate all source of dengue carrying mosquitoes in the province, the health officials and local government units in the province have finally accomplish one of their goals -- zero death due to dengue.

Provincial Health Emergency Management Staff (PHEMS) Coordinator Jose Pardito Jr. of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said that compared to the seven deaths recorded last year due to dengue, the PHO has no casualty report in 2012.

“This we credit to the convergence effort of all, not only the health department in practicing and observing the measures to prevent fatality and the spread of said dreaded disease in the province,” he said.

The campaign he said has also resulted to a more vigilant public which played a major factor in the zero death report.

“With a more aware public, health personnel have observed that most people are now seeking immediate medical attention if prolonged fever is observed, unlike before where they tend to wait for days before going to a health facility, which in some cases is too late for the patient” he said.

There may be an increase of reported suspected dengue cases but this he said is the result of more awareness among the public.

With a more cooperative and concerned public, the provincial health office in partnership with key agencies like the Center for Health and Development, local government units, media and even the Armed Forces of the Philippines are now giving focus on the preventive measures.

Cleaning and eliminating of the breeding places he said is still the best remedy emphasizing that this should be done year-round considering that dengue suspected cases are reported from January to December.

With the public responding to the continuous campaign of the Department of Health and with local government ordinances supporting the dengue prevention environmental measures, the province has better chances of controlling said disease.

But this he said would always need the incessant and active participation and support of the public to keep the people safe from dengue and other diseases brought about by unsanitary and unhealthy surroundings. (Geraldine Dumallig)