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TODAY, health expert on Epidemiology Dr. Ida Gloria J. Felix, in cooperation with the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU)-BARMM, Integrated Provincial Health Office Maguindanao, and local government of Matanog conducted an Exit Conference (Exit-Con) as a part of the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). The conference aimed to outline the measures implemented and discuss future strategies to prevent the spread of measles in Matanog and Parang.Dr. Felix presented a comprehensive report detailing the current state of the outbreak and the steps taken to address it. She emphasized the importance of swift action to combat the outbreak, outlining various initiatives that have already been implemented.
Among the initiatives include public awareness campaigns, strengthened surveillance systems to detect and monitor potential cases, and the inclusion of school personnel and religious sector as an integral part of conducting a swift vaccination campaign. The measles outbreak in Matanog and Parang is a serious public health concern that requires a collaborative and evidence-based approach.
The discussions revolved around strategies to enhance vaccine coverage, strengthen healthcare delivery systems, and improve community engagement to foster vaccine acceptance. Public health officials were encouraged to prioritize immunization efforts, especially among vulnerable populations, such as young children and those with compromised immune systems.
Dr. Muhammad Ariff A. Baguindali of the Integrated Provincial Health Office Maguindanao expressed his appreciation for Dr. Felix and RESU’s dynamic leadership and the valuable insights provided during the conference.
The local government of Matanog pledged their commitment to further collaboration and support for ongoing efforts to control the outbreak and prevent future outbreaks.
As the Exit-Con concluded, the RESU remains determined to implement the recommended strategies discussed during the conference, ultimately aiming to eradicate measles and ensure the well-being of its constituents.
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Health Minister Dr. Rizaldy L. Piang was invited by Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim to the courtesy meeting with Basilan Provincial Governor Hadjiman "Jim" Hataman Salliman, Vice Governor Yusop Alano and other officials on August 30/14 Safar at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.Key officials present were MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie, MPW Minister Architect Eduard Guerra, MPOS Minister Hussein Muñoz, Board Member Jimael Salam Hataman-Salliman, and municipal mayors of Basilan.
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COTABATO CITY - The Department of Health (DOH) together with the Ministry of Health - BARMM launched a part of its nationwide healthy lifestyle campaign called Biyaheng Kalusugan in a bid to promote health literacy among Filipinos here.Biyaheng Kalusugan is an initiative to celebrate health events through engaging in health activities across the country.
Dr. Alfonso Miguel Regala, Chief BCSMD said this also encourages Filipinos to adopt the seven health habits: Move more, eat right; be clean, live sustainably; get vaccinated; don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, say no to drugs; care for yourself, care for others; practice safe sex; and do no harm, put safety first.
“Malaking bahagi ng ating Eight-point action agenda ang pagtutok sa family planning at nais nating palawigin ang kaalaman tungkol dito sa pamamagitan ng Biyaheng Kalusugan,” DOH Asec. Beverly Lorraine Ho said.
“We will ensure that the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act is felt by every Filipino anywhere across the country. Sa pamamagitan ng Biyaheng Kalusugan, ating sinisiguro ang Health Pilipinas dahil bawat buhay mahalaga!” she added.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Taib Pangca, Bangsamoro Darul Ifta gave his presentation on the Islamic ruling on family planning.
Pangca, emphasized that Islam does not prohibit birth control, nor does it forbid a husband or wife to space pregnancies or limit their number, and family planning is permissible in Islam.
More than 100 participants attended which includes couples and singles from the city of Cotabato on Aug 26.
The DOH prepared a different menu of activities for the participants such as Mahal, Usap Tayo!, and My partner and me which was enjoyed by the couples who attended the activity.
High-ranking officials offered their message of support such as Dir. Rodley Carza, Director for Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Ahmad-Fawadz A. Israel, Director II for Technical Services, Dr. Queraessa Mia S. Taki, Head of Family Planning Cluster and DOH partners WHO, USAID's Reach Health and CPD BARMM.
Currently, the DOH offers free modern family planning methods through local governments, public hospitals, and other service delivery points of the department.
Those who wish to consult can contact the nearest health center to learn about the different methods of family planning.
The initiative was introduced in August to coincide with the nationwide launch of Family Planning Month.
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COTABATO CITY- The Minister of Health (MOH) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) handed over 53 units of Oxygen Concentrators and 2,000 Cholera Test kits to hospitals in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, yesterday, August 29 at Alnor Convention Hall. The ceremony marked a significant step forward in addressing the increasing demand for Oxygen support in the region’s hospitals.As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place significant strain on healthcare systems around the world, ensuring an adequate supply of medical equipment, particularly oxygen concentrators, has become crucial. Recognizing this need, the MOH and WHO collaborated to provide essential support to BARMM hospitals.
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that is used to provide supplemental oxygen to patients who have low levels of oxygen in their blood. It is commonly used for people with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and asthma, as well as for those recovering from surgery or experiencing shortness of breath.
Dr. Ariff Baguindali, from the Integrated Provincial Health Office Maguindanao (IPHO), thanked the Leadership of the MOH and WHO for the initiative in improving the health facilities in the BARMM. “Oxygen Concentrators are some of the most important logistics in hospitals- both for emerging and reemerging diseases.”-He added.
Meanwhile, WHO representative to the Philippines, Dr. Rui Paulo De Jesus expresses his deep gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its exceptional support and cooperation in their mission to provide health services to vulnerable communities.
Ministry of Health officials led by Dr. Rizaldy L. Piang acknowledged the significant impact this support would have on the region's healthcare infrastructure. The cooperation between the MOH and the WHO is a testament to the commitment to ensure the well-being of the BARMM community in these challenging times.
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