DOH Bicol Calls on LGUs to Strengthen ABKD Campaign Kontra Dengue
Press Release March 08, 2019
In response to the rising cases of Dengue in Bicol, the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) Bicol calls on the Local Chief Executives, Local Government Units (LGUs), Barangay Officials, and community households to focus their attention on strengthening community-based clean-up activities.
Based on the data from the Public Health Preparedness and Response Unit (PHPRU), there is a 45% increase in dengue cases in the Bicol Region with 838 reported cases as of January 1 to March 8, 2019.
OIC – Regional Director Dr. Ernie V. Vera emphasized that the first line of defense against dengue is prevention, which can be achieved by maintaining and sustaining cleanliness through the 4-S strategy and Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue (ABKD).
The 4-S campaign stands for “Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites”, secure “Self-protection measures” like wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellent, “Seek early consultation” for fever as early as one day, and “Say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.
Meanwhile, the ABKD is an effort to stir up community action that will be sustainable, target-driven, and can be adopted by LGUs. This campaign calls for regular weekly clean-up drives spearheaded by the barangay leaders and includes the active participation of community volunteers, civil society and others in government. ABKD can be done through the 4 o’clock cleaning habit, search and destroy action against mosquito breeding places, and barangay simultaneous backyard clean-up activity.
In his statement, Vera reiterated that fighting dengue requires everyone’s full cooperation.
“Fighting dengue is as simple as keeping your surroundings clean. No breeding places means no mosquitoes, and no mosquitoes means no dengue, chikungunya, or zika virus. But our success is determined by level of seriousness and commitment to eliminate mosquito breeding places,” said Vera.
Vera also urged school authorities to implement clean up drives at the school premises at least every week. Other stakeholders, such as owners or managers of business establishments, offices, and construction sites, are also strongly encouraged to initiate and sustain their own clean-up activities in their areas.
//nsau
