Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dax Cua is calling on his fellow local leaders to implement strong measures to prevent the spread of dengue, amid a continued rise in the number of cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the country.
“I urge our fellow local leaders to be proactive against dengue. We cannot allow our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to be derailed by yet another public health crisis, so we must do our part, especially as this is a very deadly disease that endangers children in particular,” Cua said.
The chair of the League of Provinces of the Philippines added that LGUs could also provide anti-dengue kits that include mosquito repellents to students to help keep them safe in school.
The Department of Health reported 118,785 dengue cases in the country from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13 this year, which is 143 percent higher compared to the same period last year.
The death toll from dengue has already reached 400, or a death rate of 0.3 percent.
The Quirino governor called on local government units to regularly conduct clean-up drives, particularly in schools and communities.
“With the rainy season already kicking in, we must ensure that our schools and communities are clean so that we minimize areas where mosquitoes can propagate,” said Cua.
The chair of the League of Provinces of the Philippines added that LGUs could also provide anti-dengue kits that include mosquito repellents to students to help keep them safe in school.
“I urge our fellow local leaders to be proactive against dengue. We cannot allow our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic to be derailed by yet another public health crisis.”
Cua also emphasized the need for LGUs to engage their respective communities.
“Maglatag po tayo ng information drive, isama natin ang mga magulang at iba pang volunteer sa paglilinis ng ating mga komunidad. We need greater public consciousness on the threat of dengue so that we can address the issue both at home and collectively,” he said.
He also appealed to families to practice at home the government’s “Enhanced 4S” strategy, or to search and destroy breeding sites; seek early consultation; self-protection; and say ‘Yes’ to fogging only in hotspot areas where an increase is registered for two consecutive weeks.
