Featured Videos
Latest News
- Details
- Written by Aaron Cotejar, Philippine Information Agency
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 600
Mildred (not her real name), a first-time mother from Pastrana, Leyte, is overwhelmed with fear and despair after her three-month-old baby fell ill.
The initial signs of her son’s sickness sent a chill down her spine: persistent dry coughs with a mild fever for weeks, difficulty breathing, and alarming bouts of vomiting. She’s feeling helpless as she watches her son suffer in agony.
She’s desperately looking for a solution to her son’s ailment. She sought guidance from an “albularyo,” a traditional healer, hoping to find relief for her son’s suffering.
She also sought her relative’s advice and explored herbal remedies in an attempt to alleviate her son’s condition. However, despite her efforts, her son’s health continues to deteriorate.
Mildred’s heart raced with panic as she frantically rushed her son to the hospital. The once mild coughing had escalated into violent fits, accompanied by the alarming sound of “whooping,” which echoed through the vehicle’s interior.
Her son’s skin had taken on a bluish hue, indicating dangerously low oxygen levels. She couldn’t help but fear the worst as she prayed for a miracle while speeding to the hospital.
Doctors quickly attended to her son, and after conducting some tests, they confirmed that he was suffering from pertussis. The medical professionals waste no time admitting him to provide an urgent medical intervention. The severe symptoms require immediate antibiotic treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Department of Health (DOH) has reported an increase in the number of pertussis cases in the region. From January to April 6, there were 39 cases of pertussis, 38 of which were suspected, while one case was confirmed in Mildred’s son.
The report specified that most of the 26 cases are infants under one year of age, followed by eight cases in the age group of 5 to 10, four cases in the age group of 11 to 20, and one case above 21. It has been observed that most of these cases involve individuals who haven’t been immunized.
Dr. Jean Marie Egargo, office-in-charge assistant regional director of the DOH Eastern Visayas, underscored that “pertussis is a disease that can be treated and prevented. We have medicines for this illness and can do much to prevent it.”
Ma. Rosario Juntilla, the health promotion unit and health education and program officer III, has emphasized the importance of vaccination to parents. She mentioned that it is crucial to vaccinate our children, especially now that we are bringing them out, even after the COVID-19 pandemic. She suggested contacting private partners, such as hospitals, if the vaccine is unavailable in the nearest rural health unit.
The health department has responded quickly and effectively to these pertussis cases by conducting town hall sessions with barangay officials, barangay health workers, schools, and provincial health offices.
They have issued public health advisories to intensify the surveillance and monitoring of vaccine-preventable diseases and routine immunization. As a result, the region has been declared code-white on pertussis, indicating that the situation is under control but requires continued monitoring.
They advised the public to follow proper coughing etiquette, maintain hand hygiene, isolate socially if symptoms appear, and wear face masks. These measures are crucial in preventing disease spread because it is highly contagious and can result in serious complications, especially in children aged five and below.
Mildred’s son was finally discharged from the hospital, bringing a glimmer of hope to their dark situation. This experience made Mildred realize the vital significance of immunizations like the pentavalent vaccines in protecting her child’s health from preventable illnesses, such as pertussis.
Her experience helps us comprehend the importance of vaccination, as it shields individuals from infectious diseases like pertussis, lessens the severity of the illness if they contract it, and safeguards vulnerable populations. Parents or guardians must ensure their children receive the suggested vaccinations based on the immunization timetable. (AAC with reports from PIA interns Nova Mae Quinte and Reyven Sillar)
- Details
- Written by Lovely Rose Bolante, Samar State University
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 515
Calbayog City, Samar — On May 21, 2024, the research team for the DOST-EVHRDC funded project "Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Deliveries in Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Samar" held a monitoring meeting at the Calbayog District Hospital (CDH). The meeting was initiated by the project leader, Dr. Sherrie Ann C. Labid, and was attended by the CDH Chief of Hospital, Dr. Rutchie C. Jordan, along with her staff and the project's research enumerators.
The purpose of the monitoring meeting was to review the progress of the data gathering process, which is currently underway at the Calbayog District Hospital. Dr. Rutchie C. Jordan, the CDH Chief of Hospital, expressed her strong commitment to the project and its potential impact on maternal and child health in the province of Samar. As the healthcare provider, she recognized the significance of this research and the hospital's pride in being a part of it. Dr. Jordan assured that the hospital staff have been actively involved in supporting the data gathering efforts and will continue to provide any necessary assistance to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The monitoring meeting also provided an opportunity for the research enumerators to share their experiences and insights from the field.
The DOST-EVHRDC research project is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024, and the findings will be disseminated to the local community and relevant stakeholders. The successful monitoring meeting at the Calbayog District Hospital has further strengthened the collaborative efforts between the research team and the healthcare facility, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.
- Details
- Written by Health and Nutrition Unit, DepEd Region 8. Edited by Jennylind D. Daya, DepEd Region 8
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 6067
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 8 is gearing up to launch the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) for the School Year 2024-2025.
This initiative is designed to address malnutrition among the region's youngest learners, specifically targeting those from Kindergarten to Grade 6 who are severely wasted and wasted. By providing both Nutritious Food Products (NFP) and Fresh Milk Component, DepEd aims to significantly boost the health and academic performance of these students.
The main objective of the SBFP for SY 2024-2025 is to reach 133,127 learners identified as severely wasted and wasted. The program offers Hot Meals (HM) and Nutritious Food Products (NFP). These will be provided over 220 feeding days, encompassing 200 school days and an extra 20 days in a learning camp. Another provision is the fresh milk which will be supplied for 55 feeding days.
The program has secured substantial funding to support both the nutritious food products and the fresh milk component. The 13 Schools Division Offices (SDOs) in the region has been allocated specific budgets and target beneficiary numbers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Regional Offices (ROs) and SDOs are tasked to conduct preparatory activities and procurement processes as early as January 2024. This early start is crucial to ensuring that funds are properly obligated by April 2024 and that the procurement of pasteurized and sterilized milk is completed by April-May 2024.
To ensure successful implementation, the program follows stringent guidelines to ensure efficient and effective delivery. The daily budget is set at Php 22.00 per student with flexibility to reallocate any excess budget within the weekly constraint of Php 110.00.
The NFP and milk will be served directly at schools with home distribution only allowed under community quarantine conditions. The use of Iron-Fortified Rice (IFR) is encouraged to be served once a week, in line with the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000.
The implementation of the SBFP is an ambitious undertaking with several challenges such as logistical hurdles and ensuring timely procurement. To overcome these challenges, DepEd Region 8 is focusing on early planning, accurate procurement processes, and strong collaboration with local suppliers and volunteer groups.
The School-Based Feeding Program for SY 2024-2025 in DepEd Region 8 represents a comprehensive effort to enhance the nutritional status and academic readiness of young learners. Through careful planning, substantial budget allocation, and adherence to strict nutritional guidelines, the program aims to make a significant positive impact on the health and educational outcomes of students in the region. This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also lays the foundation for a healthier and more academically successful future for the children of Region 8.
- Details
- Written by Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid, Samar State University, Research Utilization Committee
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 514
Tacloban City, Leyte — In a race against time, a dedicated team of researchers, healthcare professionals, and local leaders have converged in Tacloban City for a high-stakes workshop that could unlock the keys to transforming health systems in the Eastern Visayas region.
The Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (EVHRDC) hosts a three-day "Participatory Action Research for Health Systems - Research Proposal Enhancement Workshop" from May 27 to May 29, 2024.This workshop, spearheaded by the consortium’s Research Management Committee and Capacity Building Committee, brings together diverse participants from across the region.
On the first day, the workshop began with an introduction to participatory action research by the manager of the SIHI Philippine Hub, Dr. Jana Mier-Alpano, who also discussed applying human-centered design in PAR. It was followed by a presentation from Mr. Arturo Ongkeko Jr., RN, MSc, on applying PAR in digital health innovations. Dr. Meredith Labarda, then shared an example of a PAR study, "Implementing a Community Engagement Self-Monitoring (CE-SM) Strategy for Social Innovations in Health: the Philippine Plot."
Over the next two days, the participants will present their research proposals and engage in intense discussions to refine and strengthen the quality and relevance of their work. The workshop aims to enable the participants to describe PAR and its application in health systems, discuss its use and human-centered design in health innovations, revise their research proposals to integrate its principles and methods and draft full research proposals incorporating its design.
As the workshop unfolds, the participants remain focused and determined, driven by the shared goal of unlocking the secrets to building healthier communities and creating a lasting legacy of positive change. With one day left in the workshop, the participants know that the hard work is far from over, but their resolve is unwavering, fueled by the belief that their efforts will leave an indelible mark on the region's healthcare landscape.
- Details
- Written by Jona Jane Lopena, DILG 8
- Category: Latest News
- Hits: 916
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office VIII is taking significant strides in promoting health and wellness in the workplace through its commitment and support to DOH-CSC-DOLE Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2023-0001 providing for the National Policy Framework on the Promotion of Healthy Workplaces.
Among the pioneer regional agencies in Eastern Visayas to implement this national endeavor, DILG 8 aims to foster a healthier and more productive work environment, underscoring the importance of employee well-being in achieving organizational success and community development.
The national framework is intended for promotion, establishment, and strengthening of Healthy Workplaces in support of the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law. It sets directions and provides key strategies to guide the implementation of settings-based health promotion policies, plans, and programs for the Filipino workforce. The framework also identifies the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the promotion of healthy workplaces, including national government agencies and local government units.
At present, DILG RO VIII focuses on the following key initiatives in the promotion of a healthy workplace; (1) Health and Wellness Programs, (2) Safe Work Environment, (3) Mental Health Support, and (4) Employee Engagement and Education.
Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe emphasizes the importance of leadership in promoting a healthy workplace culture. "Our leaders play a crucial role in setting an example and creating an environment where health and wellness are prioritized. By investing in our employees' well-being, we are also investing in the quality of service we provide to our communities."
DILG Regional Office VIII is closely working with the Department of Health for an improved implementation and holistic monitoring and evaluation of these initiatives. The Office also assists the DOH in coordinating the implementation of the program to local government units in the region.
