WHO examines Region 2 preparedness on AH1N1 pandemic

by Oliver Baccay

Tuguegarao City (20 August) — World Health Organization (WHO) representative to the Philippines, Dr. Malou Barrameda has personally assessed the preparedness plan of Influenza A(H1N1) Task Force in Region 2 in case the pandemic arises.

In a consultative planning workshop held at the Center for Health Development- Department of Health (CHD-DOH) Region 2, the task force, composed of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council Members (RDCC), has presented its preparedness plan on A(H1N1) from the level 1 up to level, the worst scenario.

Dr. Marianne Lynne de Laza of DOH said that the task force has implemented the interim guidelines sent by DOH Central office in the level 1 and level 2 scenarios.

De Laza said though there were confirmed positive cases from the region, the number is not alarming, the cases recorded are mild and there were no mortality rate yet.

On her presentation, the region incurred highest number of cases in the, month of June from the Provinces of Cagayan, Isabela and Quirino, but the trend went down in July up to the moment.

Dr. Barrameda lauded the preparedness plan of the region having realized that all factors to be considered up to the worst scenario were already planned ready for implementation and execution.

The plan included the activated command system, surveillance operations, public health facilities available, public health interventions from different government agencies and the communication aspect in educating and informing the public on the issue.

“I’m happy to note that Cagayan Valley Region has gone far in preparing up the worst scenario on the issue of A(H1N1). You are far advance as compared to the other regions”, Barrameda said.

However, Barrameda said the task force needs to intensify more the plan and include the other inputs being raised during the workshop. She also pointed out that the plan is for the future in preparation for the worst scenario. (PIA 2)