Thursday, November 21, 2024

Focal prophylaxis for schistosomiasis administered in Barangay St. Peter

MALAYBALAY CITY (May 22, 2024) – The City Health Office (CHO) conducted focal prophylaxis for schistosomiasis in Barangay St. Peter, a non-schisto-endemic area

This demonstrates a commitment to preventive healthcare and addressing potential health risks before they become significant problems.

By conducting such interventions, they’re not only protecting the health of individuals in Barangay St. Peter but also working towards preventing the spread of schistosomiasis to other areas.

Individuals aged 5 to 65 years old were administered a single dose of Praziquantel (40mg/kg) on a full stomach.

This intervention followed Malacological and Parasitological surveys by the City Health Office, which identified the presence of schistosomiasis in Barangay St. Peter.

During the malacological survey, the snail Oncomelania quadrasi, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, was found.

In a subsequent parasitological survey, 100 stool samples were examined using the Katokatz method, revealing that less than 1 percent were positive for schistosomiasis and soil- transmitted helminthiasis in the place.

In response, the Department of Health Center for Health and Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) provided Praziquantel, the preferred drug for treating schistosomiasis.

Following health advisories, a mass treatment approach was adopted, providing prophylactic treatment to the entire eligible population, regardless of infection status.

By treating everyone within the eligible age range, the intervention aims to prevent new infections and reduce the overall burden of the disease in the community. (CHO-NADA/melbmadera)

Northern Mindanao gears up for 34th NSM celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Preparations are underway for the 34th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in Northern Mindanao

To mark the celebration, the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC)-10 has endorsed a series of regional activities designed to accentuate the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes.

Dr. Janith Aves, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-X, said NSM is celebrated in October of every year to enhance awareness and appreciation of the value and importance of statistics to the different sectors and to elicit the support and cooperation of the public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

This year, NSM bears the theme “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines,” which underlines the use of quality health-related statistics to accelerate development and promote a healthier populace.

Opening the month-long celebration are activities to be spearheaded by the Department of Health-X, which include a motorcade, Zumba, and health forum on October 3. The other activities lined up are a tree-planting activity (October 6), an interagency statistical exhibit contest (October 16-20), an infographics-making contest (October 16-20), and a data appreciation seminar for media and statistics quiz show – media edition (October 13).

All Provincial Statistical Offices of PSA-X will likewise hold the 27th Philippines Statistics Quiz Provincial eliminations on October 19 with participants from Higher Education Institutions in the region.

A dissemination forum on the results of the 2018-2020 Water Flow Accounts and financial health literacy activity will highlight the closing ceremony on October 27 to be hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Cagayan de Oro Branch.

RSC chairperson and NEDA-X Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said the lined-up activities will significantly promote the importance of statistics in every sector of society. She also urged RSC member agencies to support the NSM and conduct activities that would enunciate the significance of the celebration. (APB/PIA-10)