Raising Care for Rare awareness campaign

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Care and awareness for rare diseases, more research and support of everybody is paramount. Care for Rare awareness campaign and more research can help increase the understanding of these diseases and identify unknown ones. This Care for Rare awareness campaign brings hope to many people living with a rare disease around the nation and their families.

As part of the continuous efforts to promote public awareness on Rare Diseases, the Philippine General Hospital, UP National Institutes of Health and the Philippine Society of Orphan Disorders together with the Department of Health, is pioneering the Care for Rare awareness campaign held at the Philippine General Hospital Out-Patient Department. 

The campaign runs from October 17 to November 16, 2017. During this month-long campaign, an information table is set up manned by health volunteers who would be giving out informational materials about rare diseases specifically Lysosomal Storage Disorders like: Pompe disease, MPS I &II, Fabry disease and Gaucher disease. Patients can approach these volunteers to inquire about the diseases as well. 

As a globally competitive medical and health facility, the Philippine General Hospital is strongly committed to render quality healthcare to the Filipino people through networking and teamwork of its competent, compassionate and ethical health professionals, and by being a center of excellence and leadership in health care training and research that impacts on health policies.

Guided by this mission, this PGH Care for Rare campaign aims to bring national attention and awareness on the impact of rare diseases among people and the ways by which families and communities can help realize the spirit and intention of R.A. No. 10747 or the Rare Disease Law. 

The Philippines has achieved a very important milestone when the Rare Disease Act was passed into law which seeks to improve the access of patients with rare diseases to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information that would help them cope with their condition.

Public awareness plays a very important part in comprehensive healthcare; and a comprehensive healthcare respects everyone’s right to life. 

The campaign for national Rare Disease awareness is a shared responsibility and there is a great need to work together for this to be successful.

Rare diseases do not only affect patients but also their families. Thus the presence of a Rare Disease law somehow alleviates the position of which families with a rare disease patient are in.

As of the moment, the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the RD law are still being finished and parents of RD patients like me are looking forward to its implementation because that will ensure that budget will be allocated to RD programs. This law gives us hope in making sure that people with rare diseases are given a chance at life, says Mrs. Cynthia Magdaraog, President of the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders and parent of a Pompe disease patient.

Mrs. Magdaraog is a mother of a rare disease patient, Dickoy, with Pompe disease, now an Industrial Design graduate and an accomplished entrepreneur despite only being able to move his wrists.  --- (Youth For Health)

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them.

The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priorities. With this information campaign, both the private and government organizations working behind it are hoping to address the need for effective identification and diagnosis of rare diseases among our country’s population. 

Public awareness plays a very important part in comprehensive healthcare; and a comprehensive healthcare respects everyone’s right to life. 

The campaign for national Rare Disease awareness is a shared responsibility and there is a great need to work together for this to be successful.

Caring for Rare: 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium

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The 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium was held at the Century Park Hotel, Metro Manila, hosted by University of the Philippines National Institute for Health (NIH) and the Department of Health (DOH) last February 22, 2017 with the theme 'Working together for Better Care.'

The Philippines celebrates the 8th National Rare Disease Week on 22-28 February 2017 which, together with the global commemoration of the Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2017, highlights the need to intensify the country’s efforts to provide adequate health care and government support to persons afflicted with a Rare Disease otherwise known as orphan disorder.

What is a rare disease? 

A “life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them”.¹ According to the World Health Organization, a disease is considered rare when it affects one person out of 2,000 or less.²

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them. The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priorities.

The country recently enacted the Rare Diseases Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10747) which seeks to “improve the access of persons diagnosed to have a rare disease, or persons highly suspected of having a rare disease, to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information to help them cope with their condition.” 

The law mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide benefit package; medical assistance as provided in the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012; fiscal incentives for donations intended for researches on rare diseases, maintenance of the Rare Disease Registry, or for purchase of orphan drugs or orphan products for use solely by persons with rare diseases as certified by FDA. Further, under RA 10747, patients with rare disease will also be considered as persons with disabilities and will be granted benefits and privileges such as priority programs and discounts as mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Challenges in living with rare disease⁶

Beyond the diversity of the diseases, rare disease patients and their families are confronted with the same wide range of difficulties arising directly from the rarity of these pathologies:

• Lack of access to correct diagnosis: the period between the emergence of the first symptoms and the appropriate diagnosis involves unacceptable and highly risky delays, as well as wrong diagnosis leading to inaccurate treatments (the pre-diagnosis maze);
• Lack of information: about both the disease itself and about where to obtain help, including lack of referral to qualified professionals;
• Lack of scientific knowledge: this results in difficulties in developing therapeutic tools, in defining the therapeutic strategy and in shortage of therapeutic products, both medicinal products and appropriate medical devices;
• Social consequences: living with a rare disease has implications in all areas of life, whether school, choice of future work, leisure time with friends, or affective life. It may lead to stigmatization, isolation, exclusion from social community, discrimination, and often reduced professional opportunities (when at all relevant);
• Lack of appropriate quality healthcare (combining different spheres of expertise): Patients can live for several years in precarious situations without competent medical attention, including rehabilitation interventions; they remain excluded from the health care system, even after the diagnosis is made;
• High cost of the few existing drugs and care: the additional expense of coping with the disease, in terms of both human and technical aids, combined with the lack of social benefits and reimbursement, cause an overall pauperisation of the family, and dramatically increases the inequity of access to care for rare disease patients.
• Lack of access to treatment, if treatment is at all available.

Mr. Randy Martinez, recounts the challenges of going back and forth to the hospital as her daughter Pauline, seeks treatment for her Gaucher disease. Pauline who is now 11 years old, was noticed to have a small bump on her left torso when she was 6 months old and was later found out after years of several tests to be Gaucher disease. 

“Sana magpatuloy pa ang paggamot kay Pauline at marami pang tumulong sa kanya para dire-diretso ang gamutan. Para makapag tapos din siya ng pag-aaral”, Pauline’s father said.

² de Vrueh, R., Baekelandt, R.F. & de Haan, J.M.H.. (2013). World Health Organization Update on 2004 Background Paper: Priority Medicines for Europe and the World "A Public Health Approach to Innovation".

⁶ Eurodis/ (2005). “Rare Diseases: understanding this Public Health Priority”.

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The Medical City presents the winners of “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate" poster-making contest on good nutrition

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L-R: 3rd place Jason Oliver Bacas from Lourdes School, 1st Isabella R. Hilario from St. Paul College and Patrice Sebastien M. Olaguera, Lourdes School

“TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition” winners were awarded last July 27, 2016 at the TMC Auditorium.

Winners received plaques, gift certificates and gift bags, while a special prize given to the entry with most likes on The Medical City’s Facebook page. The winning designs were used by The Medical City for internal posters and educational materials.

Advocating proper nutrition through arts, the Medical City raises awareness on proper nutrition through a poster making contest dubbed as "TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate."

The Medical City Nutrition Management Services, together with the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, have taken heed of this concern by launching a poster-making contest dubbed “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition.” 

This project is also in line with the “Pinggang Pinoy” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) in celebration of the National Nutrition Month 2016. The contest was opened to all Grade 5 students and each school sent their five best entries. A total of 25 posters have already been entered into the competition. 

“We are glad of the turnout and the number of entries that we received, which means more and more people are now realizing the fact and the dangers of unhealthy eating, especially among kids. We are happy as well that people responded to this contest, which is aligned with the DOH’s National Nutrition Month campaign and serves as a vital part of the hospital’s advocacy on healthy eating that should start at an early age,” declares Dr. Marianna Sy-Quia Sioson, Head of the Nutrition Management Department of The Medical City.

The impact of good nutrition early in life can reach far into the future.

The right nutrition in the first 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday builds the foundation for the child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive.

However, recent surveys showed a significant rise in malnutrition among Filipino children, making the situation truly alarming. Without a doubt, undernutrition still exists and remains a national priority but pediatric overweight and obesity have both become a growing concern among medical practitioners and should be of importance to mothers and would-be mothers.

The Medical City (TMC) is a world-class hospital healthcare organization with 48 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. With its main facility located along Ortigas Avenue, TMC boasts of experienced and esteemed medical experts of various fields with modern facilities that offer the highest standard of healthcare quality as accredited by the Joint Commission International, a prestigious accrediting body for international healthcare organizations.

DOH and Sanofi-Aventis kicks off 4 o'clock habit campaign tomorrow - "Linisin Ang Kapaligiran, Dengue Ay Maiwasan"

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Department of Heath with Sanofi-Aventis kicks off 4 o'clock habit campaign - "Linisin Ang Kapaligiran, Dengue Ay Maiwasan" to raise awareness against dengue. 

The launch of the campaign will be held August 18, 2015 at Esteban Abada Elementary School, Palomaria St., Brgy. Veterans Village, Q.C. 

Among the special guests are Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Ms. Ching Santos, Sanofi Pasteur Country Manager. Another highlight of the event is the Dengue Educational Talk by Mr. Mark Anthony Capiral (Sanitation Inspector 1). Mark Capiral and Ruby Lucasan will be the event host. 

The pre-program starts at 7am with the following set of programs:

7:00        -    Registration of students

7:30        -   General Assembly for the Parade

8:00        -  Dengue School Parade

8:45        -  Arrival of Participants

Opening of Dengue Interactive Booths

Opening of Dengue On-line Terminals Intermission Number of Drum & Bugle Games on Stage.

There will also be a Dengue Dance Competition for the Grade School Level and High School Level.

“Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive!" Campaign by DOH, New Vois and World Lung Foundation

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DOH: BE SMART AND DON’T START SMOKING

Department of Health (DOH) together with New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) and World Lung Foundation (WLF) launched the “Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive!" campaign held at the Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd. Manila last August 6, 2015. 

Designed to encourage Filipinos to quit smoking, and support for the Philippines' existing smoke-free laws, the powerful national anti-tobacco campaign highlights the dangers of smoking to adults and the health harms caused to children and non-smokers through exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS).

The campaign “Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive!” will air in national television channels and is designed to encourage quitting from smoking and support for the Philippines’ smoke-free laws, and to support the timely implementation of graphic health warnings on tobacco packs by March 2016.

The campaign features two public service announcements (PSAs). One called “Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive” graphically shows that smoking causes damage to nearly every vital organ and tissue of the body, and the other, called “Cigarettes Are Eating Your Baby Alive,” shows the harms of SHS to children and non-smokers. Both announcements incorporate graphic health warning images to be implemented on tobacco packs showing stroke, oral cancer, neck cancer, and throat cancer in smokers and laryngeal cancer, stroke, and low birth weight in babies resulting from SHS exposure.

"We congratulate the Department of Health and the New Vois Association of the Philippines on the launch of this new campaign. Research has shown that national mass media communication campaign is one of the most effective means of raising awareness of the real health harms of tobacco and second-hand smoke, deterring youth from initiating tobacco use, urging smokers to comply with smoke-free laws and encouraging smokers to stop smoking. We are delighted to have supported the design and implementation of this campaign in the knowledge that it will benefit the health of Filipinos and help the Philippines achieve health-related development goals in the future,” Sandra Mullin, Senior Vice President, Policy and Communications, World Lung Foundation commented.

According to Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin, Filipinos need to be more aware of the harms caused by second-hand smoke, as well as the many respiratory and chronic diseases caused by smoking. In addition, tobacco has been identified as the primary risk factor in the Philippines for a range of non-communicable diseases. These lead to massive health care costs and productivity losses for our nation - smoking cost our economy more than Php188 billion pesos (Dans et al., 2012). To reduce tobacco use, we must implement and support a wide range of tobacco control policies, including graphic warnings on tobacco packs and increased tobacco prices that encourage more Filipinos to cut down and quit. 

“Tobacco continues to cause too much premature death and disease among adults and children in the Philippines. Ten people die every hour due to smoking related diseases in the Philippines. Mass media campaign can help to raise awareness of the harms of tobacco and effect behavior change at population level. This increases the effectiveness of the Graphic Warnings on tobacco packs soon to be introduced in the country,” said NVAP Founder and President, Engr. Emer Rojas.

Here are the facts:

- The Tobacco Atlas notes that 40 percent of men and 8.2 percent of women in the Philippines smoke tobacco. 

- Tobacco is the cause of 19.6 percent of adult male deaths and 9.4 percent of adult female deaths – higher than the average in other middle-income countries.  

- More than 71,850 Filipinos are killed by tobacco-related diseases every year.  

- The Philippines 2011 Global Youth Tobacco Survey found that more than two in five 13-15 year olds are exposed to SHS at home and nearly three in five are exposed to SHS outside the home.  

- According to The Tobacco Atlas, SHS increases the risks of contracting lung cancer by 30 percent (small cell lung cancer by 300 percent) and coronary heart disease by 25 percent.  

- Exposure to SHS killed more than 600,000 non-smokers globally in 2010.  

- The causes of death include chemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, asthma, and lung cancers.  

- The Philippine Cancer Society estimates that around 3,000 non-smoking adult Filipinos die of lung cancer as a result of breathing SHS each year.

“With these facts, it is estimated that 10 Filipinos are dying every hour due to diseases from tobacco consumption. Students should know the harmful effects of smoking and there are no benefits in starting the habit. They should BE SMART and NEVER START smoking,” Garin concluded.

In photo are (from left to right) Mego Lien, Associate Director for Southeast Asia Programs, Policy and Communicatio of, WLF; Sandra Mullin, SVP for Policy, Advocacy and Communications of WLF; Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, Director III of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control; Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, Assistant Secretary of the DOH; Dr. Benjamin Lane, Acting Country Representative of WHO-Philippines; Corazon T. Jimenez, General Manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA); and Emer Rojas, President of NVAP.

Public service announcements (PSA's) will air on national television starting August 15, 2015. It is a call to action saying, "Tobacco harms children and adults alike. Quit smoking today!" including a hash tag #Smoke free PH

For more information, visit doh.gov.ph worldlungfoundation.org ewvois.org

June is “No Smoking Month”, Doctors urge medical intervention and support in curbing smoking

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Cigarette smoking is a major public health problem globally. According to the WHO, smoking is the second most important cause of death worldwide and is currently responsible for 5 million death each year. There are three billion cigarette smokers worldwide of which 112 million are in India. Cigarette smoking is estimated to cause 800,000 deaths annually in India. The WHO predicts that tobacco deaths in India may exceed 1.5 million annually by 2020.

Filipino health professionals and medical organizations, along with the private healthcare sector, are underscoring the importance of medical intervention and support in the form of more prevalent and accessible smoking cessation clinics, in order to successfully help more smokers kick the deadly habit.

The call is made to kick off the commemoration of the Philippines “No Smoking Month” in June. 

At a press conference held at the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP), doctor groups highlighted the vital role that smoking cessation clinics play in creating strong community support for patients who wish to quit.

Smoking is an addiction that takes more than just simple willpower to successfully abandon, according to Dr. Anthony Leachon, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP).

Dr. Leachon explains:

  “Ineptitude is the inability to do what is right despite knowledge and education. We are all aware that despite knowing that smoking is bad, and that it has adverse health effects, a lot of our countrymen still continue to smoke, or are unable to quit.”

According to data from the 2013 National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS), smoking prevalence among the current smokers has dropped to 25.4 percent of the population from 31 percent in 2008. 

With the achievements of the government in the implementation of 100% smoke-free environments and the sin tax law to discourage tobacco consumers, “we have proven that all educational drives would be best complemented by an aspect of shaping the smokers’ environment,” explains Dr. Leachon.

This is where smoking cessation clinics come into the picture. Such facilities are especially designed and designated to receive patients who wish to finally quit smoking. 

Dedicated health professionals manning the clinic guide patients step by step, from initial case assessment to drawing up and observing a strict behavioral plan on quitting. 

Most importantly, programs in smoking cessation clinics also include valuable pharmacological intervention, or medical solutions in order to address the physiological aspects of smoking.

Smokers getting younger. Dr. Glynna Ong Cabrera (right) of the Lung Center of the Philippines presents the case of fourteen-year-old patient AJ (seated, left) at a press conference commemorating Philippine “No Smoking Month” this June. The student successfully kicked the deadly habit of smoking with the help of the hospital’s smoking cessation clinic. Doctor groups and the private healthcare sector are urging medical intervention and support in curbing smoking addiction, primarily through the development of more smoking cessation clinics across the country. Representing the multi-sectoral anti-smoking cause are (from left) Pfizer Philippines public affairs director Gerrard Anthony Paez, Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) president Dr. Eric Moral, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Mariano Lopez, and Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP) executive director Dr. Maricar Limpin.

A serious health concern in the Philippines

Many smokers who seek help are those who are already suffering from ailments and diseases related to the habit.

“Most of the time, not until the smoker starts experiencing the health consequences of smoking does he or she realize it is a medical issue that needs to be addressed,” explains Dr. Glynna Ong Cabrera, who heads the smoking cessation clinic at the LCP.

Smoking causes cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke; diabetes; malignancies or cancer; and chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma. These noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of adult mortality and morbidity worldwide and in the Philippines. 

Among the identified risk factors contributing to NCDs, tobacco is considered responsible for more than two-thirds of lung cancer; 40 percent of chronic respiratory diseases; and 10 percent of cardiovascular diseases. An estimated six million people die from tobacco use each year. In the country, it kills ten Filipinos every hour.

Overcoming challenges to continuous progress 

The call for the establishment of smoking cessation clinics is in line with the findings of the 2011 assessment of the government’s efforts under the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO–FCTC). 

“The country has, for its part, made substantial strides and achievements, most important of which is the passing and implementation of the sin tax law, the restriction of tobacco advertising and promotion, as well as the application of strong graphic warnings on tobacco products,” says Dr. Maricar Limpin, executive director of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance Philippines (FCAP).

Many local government units have also made great progress in passing smoke-free ordinances that prohibit smoking indoors and in public places, notes Dr. Limpin.

However, among the significant challenges in the Philippines that the assessment team identified include the need for a coordinated national cessation infrastructure across the country, in order to effectively implement the national cessation policy.

Alongside the DOH’s program focusing on smoking cessation in government hospitals in the Philippines, the PCP is similarly pushing for mandate among its member hospitals to establish smoking cessation centers.

“With this move, we are optimistic in helping bring down the smoking population in the Philippines, as well as reduce the burden of disease,” concludes Dr. Leachon.

The private sector of the medical and pharmaceutical industry is also backing the drive against smoking cessation in the country. “For our part, Pfizer Philippines strongly supports the nationwide campaign against the habit of smoking in line with our ultimate goals of improving health and well-being at every stage of life,” states corporate affairs director Gerrard Anthony Paez.

DOH Encourages Public to Keep Vaccinations Complete and Up-to-date

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Myths and misconceptions identified as threats to national health

Vaccinations save millions of lives worldwide on a yearly basis. Despite the progress of immunization efforts in the country, however, several factors remain to challenge the total success of such programs.

Based on the 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey, six of ten children 12‐23 months (62 percent) were fully immunized; that is, they received the seven basic vaccinations before their first birthday. More than 90 percent of the children received first doses each of vaccines - DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetnaus), polio and Hepa‐B. However, same children will not complete the succeeding second and third doses required for the full protection and only 78% finishes the measles vaccination at 9 months old. . .. Rather than problems on resources and reach, challenge of completion of such programs is being stunted by the myths and speculations surrounding immunization.

Dr. Beaver Tamesis, Rosa Maria Nancho MD, Angel Jacob, DOH Secretary Janette Garin and Benjamin Co

 “The emerging adversary of vaccination is not effectiveness—it is speculation,” said Dr. Benjamin Co, a Clinical Pharmacologist and Associate Member of the Pediatric Infectious Disease of the Philippines and Fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS).

Dr. Co was a keynote speaker in a forum titled Usapang Bakuna held at Museum Café in Makati. He discussed vaccine myths and misconceptions alongside DOH Secretary Janette Garin and Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines (SAMP) Adviser Dr. Rosa Maria Nancho.

The forum tackled vaccination myths and misconceptions as a nod to World Immunization Week, which runs from April 24 to 30. 

“Understandably, vaccine safety receives more attention than effectiveness,” said Dr. Co. “But vaccines have an excellent safety record. As a matter of fact, you could argue that they are as safe, if not or safer than therapeutic medicines.”

He continued: “Misguided concerns (which are not grounded on science and research) distract the general public from pressing preventable health threats. This is proving to be a major obstacle in creating a healthier nation.”

No link between measles vaccine and autism

A now-retracted study linking MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine) to autism has been discouraging the vaccine’s uptake. The British Medical Journal (BMJ) described the 1998 study as an ‘elaborate fraud’ that altered the medical histories of all 12 patients that formed its basis.

According to Dr. Co, “Wakefield’s study has done long-lasting damage to health. But we need to remain focused on why vaccines were discovered and balance the benefits and risks of the disease, especially among children and the vulnerable community. As stated by the Measles Rubella Initiative, Measles is a leading cause of death among children around the world, with 400 dying every day.”

Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no scientific evidence to support claims that measles vaccination may be a risk factor for autism. Additionally, studies have shown that immunization does not lead to permanent neurological problems. 

Disproving the HPV stigma

HPV (Human Papillomavirus), a family of viruses, has two strains that are linked to 80 percent of cervical cancer cases. While there are two HPV vaccines (bivalent and quadrivalent) available in the market, their uptake is affected by existing stigma.

“Since HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, some parents do not consider vaccination as a necessity for their kids,” said Dr. Nancho. “But these vaccinations are recommended at a certain age (9 years old) because that is when they’re most effective.”

She added, “Pre-exposure vaccination (which means vaccination before the child is exposed) is a corner stone of successful immunization programs against the world’s cluster of preventable diseases.”

Other ‘Untruths’

Mercury content has also been raised as a safety concern in vaccines, since some of them are formulated with the mercury-containing preservative thiomersal. However, DOH Secretary Garin was quick to point out that there is no evidence to suggest that the amount of thiomersal used in vaccines poses any health risks.

It is likewise a mistake to assume that vaccines are no longer necessary, as vaccinable diseases have disappeared in recent decades. According to Garin, the spike of measles cases in the country quickly refutes this claim.

She concluded, “The biggest problem here is that decisions on health are being made based on perceived risks, not supported by evidence. We have a responsibility to rid ourselves of all these misconceptions, especially when we are making decisions for our children.”

“10 Kumainments” for Pinoys’ healthy lifestyle

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The National Nutrition Council  launches the “10 Kumainments”, a campaign to promote the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos at the “3rd National Conference of Nutrition Action Officers" held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on October 23, 2014.

Filipinos from every walk of life can find ways to get healthy and be nutritionally well by following very simple guidelines drawn up by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) of the Department of Health (DOH).

The 10 Kumainments are the popularized versions of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) approved by the NNC Governing Board to promote a healthy lifestyle among Pinoys. The nutritional guidelines aim to address and prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The Kumainments are simple and easy to remember guidelines that can be easily followed by ordinary citizens to improve their nutritional status. With messages like“Kumain ng iba’t ibang pagkain”, “Kumain ng gulay at prutas araw-araw”, and “Panatilihin ang tamang timbang”, individuals are encouraged to eat the right foods, exercise right and pursue a healthy lifestyle in 10 easy rules. The messages will be aired on TV and radio stations nationwide.

A campaign character, Moises Dalisay also known as "Mang Moi", was also introduced at the launch. Patterned after Moses or Moises of the Bible story who handed out the Ten Commandments, the friendly “Mang Moi” crusades for the “10 Kumainments” that Pinoys should follow for better nutrition. 

Moises "Mang Moi" Dalisay discusses the 10 Kumainments, the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos with Jovita Raval, the National Nutrition Council Chief of the Nutrition Information and Education Division.

“We encourage all the Nutrition Action Officers in the country to help disseminate the 10 Kumainments to the barangay level, to the households so that they can contribute in influencing proper nutrition behaviours and to also be able to help reduce malnutrition in the country,” said Jovita Raval, NNC Chief of the Nutrition Information and Education Division.

The NGF was developed by the interagency and multi-sectoral Technical Working Group on the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos chaired by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI‐DOST). The NGF also underwent multi-sectoral consultations. NNC was tasked to disseminate the NGF to ensure its adoption among Filipinos to contribute to improved nutrition.

The launch was attended by Nutrition Action Officers from all over the country who are also expected to help in the dissemination of the 10 Kumainments in barangays nationwide. The 3rd National Conference of Nutrition Action Officers used the theme in this program, “I Need You NAO and Forever” and conducted sessions that tackled nationwide data and project updates from the NNC and its partner agencies.

(L-R) Carmelita Abalos, President of the Nutrition Action Officers Association of the Philippines; Mario Capanzana, Director of Food and Nutrition Research Institute; Jovita Raval, NNC Chief of the Nutrition Information and Education Division; Dr. Corazon VC Barba, Professor Emeritus of UP Los Banos; Dr. Rodolfo Florentino, President of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines launch a popular version of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, the "10 Kumainments". The standee in the middle is the main character for the campaign, Moises "Mang Moi" Dalisay.

For more information, visit the NATIONAL NUTRITION COUNCIL

2332 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Taguig City. 

Tel. Nos. 843.0142; 843.1337; 843.5824; 

Fax No. 843.5818; 

Email: info@nnc.gov.ph 

http://www.nnc.gov.ph 

www.facebook.com/nncofficial

Twitter @NNC_official.

Red Alert : Atom shares alternative ways to avoid leptospirosis during rainy season

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Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo shares tips on how you can protect yourself from leptospirosis this Friday (Oct 24) on “Red Alert.”

With sudden floods occurring during the rainy season, people are now more prone to getting this bacterial infection commonly transmitted by the urine of rats.

Thus, Atom shows you alternative ways to protect your feet, aside from wearing boots, if ever you resort to walking through dirty flood waters.

He also personally looks into dirty sewers where rats usually thrive and spread bacteria.

In October 2013, the Department of Health recorded the highest number of leptospirosis cases in the country, with more than 2,000 cases nationwide.

Don’t miss “Red Alert,” anchored by Atom Araullo, this Friday (Oct 24), after “Kapamilya Blockbusters” on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. 

For more updates, like “Red Alert” on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/RedAlertABSCBN and 

follow @abscbnredalert on Twitter and Instagram.

PH the first country to introduce IPV in routine immunization; Every newborn in the Philippines will now receive the Inactivated Polio Vaccine

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In celebration of World Polio Day, the Department of Health launch the inactivated injectable polio vaccine (IPV) to keep the Philippines polio-free, during the event yesterday (October 6, 2014) held at the Paranaque City Hall, San Antonio Valley1, Paranaque City.

Deaprtment of Health Secretary Enrique Ona

“The introduction of inactivated polio vaccines will allow us to improve the protection of Filipino children against polio and maintain our polio-free status in the country,” Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona declared.

Here's another decisive step towards global polio eradication by 2018 – The Department of Health welcomed the official celebration of the introduction of the inactivated injectable polio vaccine (IPV) in the Philippines immunization schedule.

The Philippines is the first developing country in Eastern Asia to introduce IPV in routine immunization, following the universal recommendation issued by WHO earlier in 2014. It is also the biggest developing country in the world to introduce IPV and is expected to be watched closely by many countries which have already announced their intention to introduce IPV.

Yesterday, October 6, 2014, several children were vaccinated with Inactivated Injectable Polio vaccine (IPV), Imovax® Polio, at a celebration of the introduction held at the Paranaque City Hall, chaired by Janette Garin, Under Secretary of Health.

The introduction of IPV is a part of the DOH expanded program on immunization for children.

They are the first of more than two million Filipino children who will now be vaccinated every year, 14 weeks after birth. One injection of IPV will be given to every child along with one injection of a pediatric pentavalent combination preventing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis B, and one dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV).

The universal introduction of IPV, a vaccine that has been used in the majority of the developed world for years, is a necessary step toward achieving a polio-free world by 2018.

Filipinos are part of trade, commerce, innovation and the labor market around the world so the country plays an extremely important part in global efforts to end polio forever. 

The Philippines has an emotional attachment to zero polio that stretches back to the start of mass polio epidemics in the world in the late nineteenth century: the first prime minister of the Philippines and a hero of the country’s anti-colonial struggles, Apolinario Mabini was a polio survivor who lived with lifelong disabilities caused by the disease.

The last polio case in the country was recorded in 1993. With the sustained effort of the Department of Health on the polio eradication initiative, in October 2000 the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization and all its member countries have been certified polio-free. For a region to be certified as polio-free, there should be no reported cases of indigenous polio 3 years preceding the certification.

Dr Janette Garin, Under Secretary of Health

The Philippines decided to buy IPV with its own national health budget, according to Dr Garin. “As a medical doctor, I am delighted that we are among the first developing countries to invest in the polio vaccine that children already get in Europe and North America. Our children deserve to be protected fully against the disease that killed and crippled so many Filipinos even during the time I was growing up”, she said.

“I am also proud that Filipinos have inspired and led many of the global civil society efforts against childhood diseases including polio. Imagining and calling for a better world is part of our national genius. Polio eradication can be our generation’s legacy to all future generations” she added.

“The DOH recognizes immunization as a key element in reducing the burden of childhood mortality and morbidity and the inclusion of the IPV boosts our children’s health and immunization programs,” the health chief said.

Countries and partners move forward to the end of polio

The universal introduction of IPV is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Endgame Strategic Plan. The Plan was endorsed by 194 countries in 2013 and offers a comprehensive roadmap that includes ending polio transmission, improving routine immunization rates and creating a lasting blueprint for addressing other significant global health challenges.

“Sanofi Pasteur has been a public health partner of Filipino health authorities for years," said Olivier Charmeil, President and CEO of Sanofi Pasteur. 

"It is our mission to build a nation where no one suffers or dies from a vaccine preventable disease. We are very proud to help the country remain polio-free. Today, the Philippines move is an inspiration to many countries that are likely to introduce IPV in the coming months. Today we are getting a little closer to the day when polio will be just a memory and its horrors will be consigned to history.”

This sentiment is echoed by Sanofi Pasteur Philippines Country Manager, Ching Santos, as she states, “Sanofi Pasteur Philippines is one with the Department of Health in ending polio. Our company has provided all doses of both OPV and IPV to support the Philippines program against polio. We are proud to contribute to the protection of the men, women and children of our country and will continue to provide quality and innovative products for disease prevention. Along with our partners in the immunization committee, we will carry this out with passion knowing that we make a difference in the lives of Filipinos.”

DOH extends measles-rubella-polio campaign until October 10

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From the Department of Health:

The Department of Health (DOH) today announced that children who did not receive the supplemental dose of measles, rubella (MR) and oral polio vaccine (OPV) can still go to health centers and vaccination posts until October 10, 2014.

“We are appealing to parents and caregivers who know that children aged 0-5 years old under their care have not received the vaccines to go to the nearest health center to have them immunized,” Secretary Enrique Ona said.

As of September 30, the country’s national coverage status reached 84% (or 9.6M) of the 11 million eligibles for MR and 81% (10.9M) of the 13 million eligibles for OPV.

Among the regions, the top achievers for both MR and OPV vaccinations are Caraga region with 91%, Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) with 90%, Region 11 (Davao) and Region 12 (SOCCKSARGEN) both with 87%, and Region 5 (Bicol) with 86%.

Among the provinces, the local chief executives reported the following achievements for MR: Lanao del Sur – 112%, Agusan del Sur – 100%, Saranggani – 100%, Surigao del Sur – 96%, and Nueva Vizcaya – 96%. For OPV, the provinces reported the following: Lanao del Sur – 110%, Agusan del Sur – 98%, Saranggani – 95%, Surigao del Sur – 94%, and Davao Oriental – 93%.

The top cities, on the other hand, reported that for MR the top performers are: Cebu City – 128%, Dapitan City – 119%, Tandag City – 117%, Calamba City – 107%, and San Fernando City – 103%. For OPV, the top cities are Cebu City – 126%, Tandag City – 117%, Dapitan City – 107%, Lapu-lapu City – 102%, and Calamba City – 101%.

Subsequently, the DOH together with private volunteers, World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control, and the Church of the Latter-Day Saints will be continuing the rapid coverage assessment and door to door surveillance and mop-up activities to verify whether the target of reaching every purok strategy has been reached.

Fifty one percent of those who have not brought their children to vaccination posts claim that the mothers are busy.

“We are appealing to these mothers to give priority to vaccination. Nakamamatay kapag kulang ang bakuna. Magtulungan tayo upang protektahan ang buong sambayanang Pilipino. There are still pockets of areas where there are children who have not yet been vaccinated, therefore, we are urging the mothers and caregivers of these to have them vaccinated at the nearest health center even as we conduct mop up vaccinations,” the health chief concluded.

doh.gov.ph

DOH recognizes 'unsung' heroes of Typhoon Yolanda

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The Department of Health (DOH) recently gave tribute to the “Unsung Heroes” of typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) for their contributions in helping the victims and families affected by the strongest cyclone to hit the Visayas region last year.

Here's from the Department of Health:

The Department of Health (DOH) today recognized the efforts of all the brave souls who have dedicated their time, services, expertise and resources to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (internationally named Haiyan).

“While we acknowledge that our help and support to Yolanda-affected areas is far from ceasing, at the moment there is some breathing space for us to pause and reflect, and to modestly acknowledge those who have been our partners in relief assistance,” Secretary Health Enrique Ona said.

It is appropriate that recognition is given to local government units, local health teams and volunteers, DOH regional hospitals and offices, and, especially, to foreign partners who went out of their way to extend every help they can.

On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda was recorded as the strongest in Philippine history. It was accompanied by monstrous winds and storm surges (10-15 feet) which smashed into coastal communities before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 9.

Initial report on November 8, revealed that a total of 26,675 families or 125,604 persons were affected in 33 cities and 73 municipalities in 22 provinces. A total of 109 evacuation centers were initially established. The cyclone caused catastrophic destruction in the Visayas, particularly Samar and Leyte, to which, according to UN officials, about 11 million people have been affected and left homeless.

However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), revealed that there were 6,201 deaths and 27,665 injured. Most of the fatalities came from the three towns of Tacloban, Palo, and Tanauan, Leyte. Most of the injured suffered from cuts, wounds and fractures during the disaster while others were injured in flooding that followed the typhoon. Furthermore, 1,785 persons were reported missing. Extreme damage to infrastructure greatly affected the transportation of relief goods and the communication lines.

After the immediate provision of food aid, clean water, temporary shelters, and basic medical care, the original concerns over basic needs shifted to those on infectious disease, malnutrition, childbirth problems, mental health issues, and the needs of those with chronic diseases.

Stories were told. The team from Albay, one of the first to arrive, came in total darkness of Sunday, November 10, after traveling by ferry from Matnog and by land to Tacloban. The team from NCR was deployed and their goods supply was left behind in Cebu. This team had trouble eating for 2 days, living on cookies and dole outs from other groups.

“To the almost 9,000 medical/health responders from about 222 institutions and agencies, including the 351 medical teams both local and foreign, thanking you is an understatement. The DOH is indebted to all of you,” Ona concluded.

doh.gov.ph

DOH, MSD all set for 7th Cervical Cancer Awareness month

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May is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The Department of Health, global pharmaceutical company MSD, along with medical societies all over the country are all-set for the 7th year of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month celebration this May.

The celebration highlight will be the free cervical cancer screening which will be offered to women 21 years old and above in 58 DOH-retained hospitals nationwide for the whole month of May. 

Screenings will be offered to the public every Wednesday in Metro Manila, every Friday in Luzon, every Tuesday in Visayas and every Thursday in Mindanao.

The partnership first established the month of May as cervical cancer awareness month. Over the years, policies and programs have been established such as the national guidelines for cervical cancer prevention and control, conduct of lay forums on disease education and prevention and awareness campaigns.

In 2009, a national screening program was piloted in 13 government hospitals. The following year, all 58 government hospitals offered a 1-day free cervical screening during the month of May to women 25 to 45 years old.

In 2011, regional celebrations of cervical cancer awareness month were done along with free weekly screening.

In 2013, 56 local government units (LGUs) were also allowed to do the screening. This year, the screening program will be expanded to select LGUs which have been trained for VIA namely Valenzuela, Paranaque, Makati, Marikina, Albay and Surigao Del Sur.

According to DOH, screening, either through Pap smear or visual inspection using acetic acid (VIA), should be done on women who are sexually active or had a history of sexual contact. 

Studies showed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer afflicting women worldwide with about 500,000 new cases and approximately 250,000 deaths each year.

In the Philippines, an estimated 12 Filipino women die due to cervical cancer each day.

This makes cervical cancer control as one of the major priorities of the DOH thru the National Cancer Prevention and Control Program. Several strategies are being done by the program geared towards the prevention of women from developing cervical cancer.

According to the Filipino Cancer Registry 2005 annual report, the incidence of cervical cancer remained stable from 1980 to 2005. In 2005, there were 7,277 new cases of cervical cancer with 3,807 reported deaths. This brings mortality rate at 1 per 10,000 women.

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in both men and women. HPV is highly transmissible and may lead not only to cervical cancer but also cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, and head and neck cancers as well as genital warts.

In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that HPV is so common that nearly all sexually-active men and women get it at some point in their lives.

Easily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, HPV infection can be prevented through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular cervical cancer screening.

But having a HPV vaccination is the means of primary prevention, according to DOH. Vaccination can help protect against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases in both men and women. Secondary prevention through regular screening which is every one to three years can help detect cervical cancer in its early stage and increases the chances of survival.

For a complete list of participating hospitals, visit http://www2.doh.gov.ph/doh_retained_hospital.htm.

To learn more about cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, go to www.mahalagaka.com