CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda led the first and largest mass deworming in Central Luzon for some 2,400 Kapampangan scavenger folks at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday.
According to Provincial Health Officer for public health Dr. Imelda Ignacio, this is the province’s pilot project, personally conceptualized by the governor herself.
“Governor Pineda recognizes your vulnerability to certain illnesses and the need for deworming due to the nature of your livelihood,” Ignacio explained to the attendees.
It was learned, the chewable deworming pills were provided by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development III, while the provincial government provided iron supplements to combat anemia, one of the common effects of helminth infection.
DOH-CHD III Assistant Director Louella Estember lauded the governor’s concern for the province’s scavengers and noted her innovative and comprehensive health programs.
The importance of proper hand washing was also explained by Theresa Marie Bondoc of DOH’s Health Education Promotion Office.
“Proper hand washing is the key to prevent common illnesses such as diarrhea, cold, cough and flu,” Bondoc said.
She also demonstrated proper hand washing techniques and stressed that it is ideal to wash one’s hands thoroughly for at least 30 to 60 seconds.
Medical Officer Maria Eloisa Vidar also warned of the adverse effects of helminth infections particularly for children such as stunted growth, weak immune system, poor cognitive development, and malnourishment.
The event dubbed, “Goodbye bulate para sa mga scavengers,” was realized through the combined efforts of the Provincial Health Office, Public Employment Service Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, and other departments of the Capitol.
