NEGROS Occidental Fifth District Representative Ma. Lourdes Arroyo on Wednesday, August 7, is calling on the House of Representatives Committee on Health to conduct an inquiry for dengue prevention programs, following Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III’s announcement of a nationwide alert on the current dengue outbreak.
READ: DOH declares national dengue epidemic
House Resolution 205 filed by Arroyo, calls on the committee on health to look into the National Dengue Prevention Control Program of DOH and all other existing programs implemented by the government that are meant to help prevent the public from contracting dengue following the alarming 98 percent increase of dengue cases in the country from January to July last year.
Arroyo pointed out the urgent need for the government to support and strengthen its health intervention programs that can prevent people from contracting dengue by adopting internationally accepted strategies, implement control strategies, and focusing on preventive measures policies.
Arroyo is also calling on all local government units to be prepared with medicines, equipment and personnel who will respond quickly to the needs of dengue patients, while urging communities to exercise extreme caution, especially during this rainy season.
“It is also best for communities to take action and be proactive in helping to prevent the occurrence of dengue in their areas. Flooded areas should be drained, water in rubber tires, cans and other containers that are exposed should be removed since they are favorite breeding grounds for mosquitos,” Arroyo said.
She also appealed to the general public to refrain from throwing trash and garbage in waterways and drainage systems so as not to clog them and avoid flooding the streets, in order to make potential breeding grounds inhospitable for mosquitos.
Arroyo, who was appointed vice chairperson of the committee on health Wednesday, intends to work hand-in-hand with her fellow colleagues in the Committee on Health in taking an active role in promoting the protection and maintenance of public health through legislation and programs, especially at the grassroots level. (TDE)