Photo by Michael Camsa/BIO
COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Health (MOH) initiated the annual campaign to combat dengue diseases in a bid to achieve a dengue-free Bangsamoro.
The campaign kickstarted on June 14, with active participation from school heads, students, teachers, and local government units at the Lugay-Lugay Central Elementary School in Brgy. Bagua I of this city.
Dengue fever, a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causes symptoms such as fever, headaches, rashes, and body pain. While most cases are mild and resolve within a week, prevention and early detection remains crucial.
Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas, MOH Deputy Minister, emphasized the importance of adhering to the 5S measures: Search and destroy breeding sites, Self-protection, Seek consultation, Support fogging in outbreak areas, and Sustain hydration.
Abas said these measures can effectively prevent dengue transmission.
From January to June 2023, the BARMM region reported 662 dengue cases, showing a threefold decrease compared to 2022.
The most affected age group was 0-9 years old, prompting a call for children to actively engage in search and destroy activities and wear protective clothing.
“Mas marami ang cases ng Dengue sa mga kabataan kaysa sa mga matatanda. Kaya’t kayo na mga kabataan, magsearch and destroy, at magsuot kayo ng mahahabang manggas,” Abas stressed.
“Sa ating mga kababayan, kailangan po namin ang inyong tulong o kolaborasyon upang masugpo itong dengue,” he added.
Nurse Ron Aray, MOH Regional Program Coordinator, stressed the need for early detection to ensure prompt treatment and prevent severe complications or fatalities.
Dengue is caused by four virus serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Most individuals with mild dengue fever recover within a week.
City Health Officer Dr. Marlow Niñal, representing Nurse Bai Indira Mundas, the City Dengue Program Coordinator, called upon the public, schools, and barangays to support the city and government in their efforts.
“Hindi po kaya ng City health at MOH lang ito, kailangan namin ng coordination at tulong ng mga paaralan at mga barangays sa kampanya,” Niñal emphasized.
In addition, 50 students received learner kits comprising notebooks, pencils, rulers, scissors, erasers, sharpeners, pencil cases, and tumblers.
The activity was graced by City Deputy Mayor Abdullah Andang, Cotabato City School Division Superintendent Conception Balawag, Ph.D., CESO V, Lugay-Lugay Central School Principal I Sadat Minandang, and representatives from Barangay Local Government Units, among other stakeholders. (Myrna S. Tepadan/BIO)
