With DOH declaring nationwide dengue alert

Nancy says LGU preparedness, response crucial

Alamed over the rising dengue cases in several regions in the country, Sen. Nancy Binay today said local government units have a decisive role in arresting an impending outbreak.

According to Binay, LGUs can help in mapping areas where dengue cases have been spotted but still unreported.

"Habang may panahon pa, wag na nating hintayin pang umabot sa epidemic proportions ang sitwasyon ng dengue. The LGUs role is crucial in mapping and monitoring incidence of outbreaks. They may be tapped to help in mobilizing barangays should there be a need to comeup with an epidemic preparedness and response plan," the senator pointed out.

"The LGUs can help in providing information of unexpected outbreaks in barangays, municipalities where dengue cases were under-reported or never previously reported," Binay added.

Following an alarming spike in the number of reported dengue cases, the Department of Health (DOH) has declared a nationwide dengue alert that also prompted the World Health Organization to issue a warning stating that the situation may reach epidemic proportions.

"The DOH has already issued advisories as early as January but it seemed everyone was too preoccupied that no one was paying attention about the severity and seriousness of the situation until the DOH declared a National Dengue Alert on July 15," Binay noted.

The senator also called on the mobilization of local authorities, the AFP reserve force, and the DPWH to help in cleanup drives, especially in school grounds.

"Spikes in dengue cases can also be attributed to poor sanitation and improper waste management. Pagtuunan din po natin ng pansin ang mga drainage systems; water storage, catchments at impounding facilities; at flood-prone areas," the senator added.

According to records from the health department, a total of 106,630 dengue cases were reported nationwide from January 1 to June 29 this year which resulted in 456 deaths.

This is 85 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Western Visayas has the biggest number of reported dengue cases so far this year with 13,164, followed by Calabarzon (11,474 cases), Central Visayas (9,199 cases), Soccsksargen (9,107 cases) and Northern Mindanao (8,739 cases).

The following regions, meanwhile, have exceeded the alert threshold: Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Cordillera Administrative Region.