World Vision heightens information drive amid national dengue alert
Following the Department of Health’s DOH national dengue alert declaration, World Vision mobilizes community partners to help ensure that children are protected from the said mosquito-borne viral infection. In coordination with local health units, information materials are posted in schools and other public spaces in the villages. Different initiatives like mothers’ classes are also tapped to raise the awareness of community members.
As of July 6, 2019, the Philippines has recorded 115,986 dengue cases, including 491 deaths from five regions. Epidemics have been declared in the regions of Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, with Western Visayas recording the highest number of cases at 15,826.
Meanwhile, the regions of Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Cordillera Administrative Region are being monitored after exceeding the alert threshold.
“It is sad and alarming to learn from official reports that 39% of the death cases is from the group of children aged 5-9. Providing timely information to the communities, including early detection is necessary to help prevent this,” shares World Vision’s National Director Rommel V. Fuerte.
World Vision is currently doing development projects in 32 areas in the Philippines, at least nine of which belong to the most affected regions, including Isabela, Pangasinan, Batangas, Bicol, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte. Children suspected with dengue cases are provided with assistance for proper medical attention.
“We urge everyone to pray for the communities. World Vision stands ready to assist the children and their families likely affected by the infection. The organization will also continue to monitor the situation on the ground and support government initiatives to combat dengue,” adds Fuerte.
