DAVAO CITY — The Department of Health led on Monday a motorcade here to campaign against the spread of dengue virus during the 5th year observance of the ASEAN Dengue Day.
DOH Undersecretary Dr. Vicente Belizario, Jr. said Davao City was chosen as the national celebration site, having the best practices in terms of fighting dengue.
Belizario said the city was conducive to sharing information and collaboration efforts of the local government units in curbing cases of dengue.
In Davao Region, DOH-XI regional director Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr. said 67% decrease in dengue cases was recorded in 2014.
Dumama said from January to June 13 this year, dengue cases now stand at 1,407 which is 35% lower compared to the same period last year which reached to 2,168, with Davao City having the highest number of cases being a highly urbanized area.
He said there were four deaths this year, three of which came from Davao Oriental and one from Davao City.
Dumama said the low incident rate in the region is because of the intensified actions to prevent and control dengue for the past years, and the best practices that are being undertaken in communities.
Other highlights of the celebration include the dengue bulletin board making contest, which was participated by elementary and high school students from 14 schools, dengue interactive learning games and Indak-Indak dengue street dance competition.
