The city of SAN FERNANDO in Pampanga will host the Philippine observance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dengue Summit on June 15.
The San Fernando City Information Office said Dengue Summit aims to raise the people’s level of awareness of dengue and persuade them to fight the disease in their respective areas. “It also intends to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates from dengue infection by preventing the transmission of the virus from the mosquito vector to humans.”
The information office said Dengue Summit will carry the theme “ASEAN Unity for a Dengue-Free Community.”
Expected participants for the event are representatives from the World Health Organization, Department of Health led by Secretary Enrique Ona, various national government agencies, city government officials, city health officers, barangay officials and other groups coming from the different parts of the country.
Mayor Oscar Rodriguez said he is “optimistic that this event will urge not only Fernandinos but also the whole country to seriously combat dengue.”
In Central Luzon alone, dengue cases have increased to 14 percent from January 1 to May 19, 2012 compared to the same period last year.
The province of Nueva Ecija has the highest number of reported cases with 28 percent, followed by Bulacan with 27 percent, or 5,172 cases.
Nueva Ecija has 1,462 cases; Bulacan with 1,418; Pampanga, 992; Bataan, 612; Tarlac, 397; Zambales, 285; and Aurora with six. And from these, a total of 10 deaths has been reported from the provinces of Nueva Ecija, 5; Pampanga, 2; and Bataan, Bulacan, and Tarlac, one each.
Worldwide Advocacy
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union —- The staff of the Region One office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joined the recent worldwide advocacy on HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) awareness campaign to enlighten the public about the dreaded disease.
This developed as the social welfare agency distributed hundreds of flyers containing basic information on HIV and AIDS, the modes of transmission, myths about HIV and preventive measures; and conducted candle lighting and Free HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) in collaboration with the City Health Office- Social Hygiene Clinic of San Fernando City, La Union.
DSWD Region 1 Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo said that his staff members had joined the event to correct misinformation on HIV and AIDS and to show to the public that his agency meant to help in stopping the spread of the dreaded disease.
This article is written by MARK ANTHONY N. MANUEL and FREDDIE G. LAZARO of Manila Bulletin
