City of San Fernando—-The provincial government’s efforts to address the dengue problem in Pampanga is gaining positive results as reported cases show a significant decreasing trend in the last three years.
According to Jolly G. Garcia, provincial dengue and malaria coordinator, there were 9,980 dengue cases recorded in the province in 2015 and 6, 625 cases in 2016. In the two consecutive years, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded 41 deaths due to dengue.
As of July this year, dengue cases in the province numbered at 2, 006 and is expected to be lower from last year’s figure.
Garcia explained that the declining trend in dengue cases can be attributed to awareness and intervention efforts by all stakeholders concerned. Specifically, the Dengue Task Force (DTF), composed of barangay captain, kagawad on health, school principal, Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and non-government organizations (NGOs) has been tasked to educate the village folks on how to combat the dreaded dengue fever.
DTF is also responsible in monitoring dengue cases in their areas and as well searching for mosquito breeding grounds.
Barangay folks, meanwhile, are required to submit breeding sites of kiti-kiti to the Rural Health Unit (RHU) every first Friday of the month, while the remaining Fridays of the month are intended for “Search and Seek” strategy to defeat dengue.
Garcia said community efforts are slowly paying off but the public cannot be complacent as the mosquito-borne disease is painful, debilitating and fatal.
With all the support given and the strengthening of forces to curb the dengue problem in the province, he expressed optimism that a 50 per cent reduction target can be reached.
By: Aida B. Bungue
