The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided a total of 3,038 blood units to 974 patients infected by dengue fever from the first six months of 2024 as dengue cases continue to rise in the country.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), from January 1 to August 3 this year, 136,161 dengue cases were recorded. This is 33 percent higher than the 102,374 dengue cases reported during the same period last year.
Due to the alarming number of dengue cases, several local government units have officially declared dengue outbreaks.
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon assured the public that the PRC is ready to supply blood to support the patients and to help the nation combat the fatal disease.
“Palaging may dugo sa Red Cross, ‘yan ang maipapangako ko sa ating mga kababayan.”
“Palaging may dugo sa Red Cross, ‘yan ang maipapangako ko sa ating mga kababayan. We deliver blood to hospitals so they don’t have to go to the Red Cross to ask for their blood needs. We delivered 15 units of blood platelets in Southern Leyte from Cebu due to the rising dengue cases in Maasin and we can do the same to other provinces. Libre at ligtas ang dugo sa Red Cross,” Gordon said.
“Make blood donation your lifestyle dahil hindi lang ito maganda sa kalusugan, nakapagliligtas din ito ng buhay.”
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added, “Ang blood donation ay napakahalaga dahil mataas ang demand ng dugo sa Pilipinas lalo na ngayon na may dengue outbreak. I encourage everyone to make blood donation your lifestyle dahil hindi lang ito maganda sa kalusugan, nakapagliligtas din ito ng buhay.”
The PRC amplifies the DOH’s 5S campaign to fight dengue: Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, Say yes to fogging, and Sustain hydration.
It also reminded the citizens that simple continuous fever should not be ignored. Early detection of dengue is crucial; seek immediate medical attention if anyone experiences early symptoms such as high fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and skin rash.
Currently, the PRC owns 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers nationwide.
The public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines 1158 and 143 for blood assistance.
