The Department of Health (DOH) has identified five areas in Davao City endemic to dengue fever. Dr. Ma. Socorro D. de Gracia, DOH chief of local health support division said these five areas are Talomo (North & South), Buhangin, Bunawan, Poblacion B and Agdao.
In her message during the nationwide simultaneous launching of the anti-dengue campaign, de Gracia said that dengue fever is now considered a year-round threat and that DOH is doubling its efforts to prevent the spread and control of the disease.
Antonietta P. Ebol, regional dengue coordinator, reported 14 recorded deaths caused by dengue in 2006 and 24 deaths in 2007. Mortality rate had increased from 0.65 percent to 0.70 percent, she said.
The simultaneous launching at NCCC mall in Matina was attended by barangay captains led by the Liga ng Barangay of Davao City, representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) and the Department of Education, and representatives from provincial and city health offices. The event led to the signing of a covenant by lead agencies who pledged their respective commitments in support of the anti-dengue campaign.
DOH made the ceremonial turn-over of anti-dengue campaign materials to increase public awareness after reports of an increase in cases of dengue in various part of the region.
Lead agencies in the anti-dengue campaign have committed to eradicate the disease through measures that include search and destruction of breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes, self protection measures — such as wearing of long-sleeve shirts and long pants and using mosquito repellants, immediate consultation when early signs such as fever and rashes set in and campaigning against indiscriminate fogging except during outbreaks.
De Gracia stressed the need for concerted efforts among various national and local government agencies to make the anti-dengue campaign successful. She added that there is a need to undertake a sustained preventive and control measures to address the increase in dengue cases and its occurrence anytime of the year.
The theme for the anti-dengue campaign is: “Puksain ang Kiti-Kiti: Sugpuin and Dengue.” (PIA)
