Draw up nationwide response to A(H1N1)

Draw up nationwide response to A(H1N1)



Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:01:00 06/24/2009

Filed Under: Health, Swine Flu


WHILE I appreciate the Department of Health for regularly giving us updates on the number of A(H1N1) victims in the country, it should do more than that. The rapid spread of this pandemic seems unstoppable and, worse, some of our people have started to panic rushing to buy anti-viral medicines and face masks.

It is time for the DOH to draw up specific and strategic plans on how to cushion the impact of A(H1N1) and keep down the number of its victims.

The DOH should lead in securing a national commitment and resolve to protect the health of the citizenry against this pandemic. It should now issue guidelines to schools, malls, churches, offices, movie houses and other public places, with emphasis on non-medical interventions.

In other words, the DOH should orchestrate the efforts of all sectors regarding the problem. For example, it should suggest to all schools that they ask their canteens to serve, as a matter of policy, meals and snacks that strengthen the immune system. Also, it should, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, issue guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of local government units in relation to the inherent dangers and complex threats the A(H1N1) poses.

My apprehension is that politicians might use the A(H1N1) as an issue or as a means to advance their own personal interests. If the DOH dilly-dallies, it could leave itself vulnerable to the manipulations of politicians. Before this happens and before A(H1N1) kills a Filipino, the DOH should ask politicians to appropriate an amount so the department can stockpile anti-viral medicines. The DOH should act now.

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan