THE DENGUE problem in the Davao Region has not abated. Instead, as the latest health bulletins indicate, the malady seems worsening. Five more deaths were reported in Davao del Sur a few days ago. Scores of new cases have surfaced, reaching 1,000 in that province alone.
In this paper’s cover story this week, Department of Health’s Dr. Teogenes Baluma admits the region’s hospitals usually run out of blood supply, as the source of the platelet used in managing dengue, “managing” because in reality there is no cure for the deadly vector-borne disease. The blood transfusion is important to replace the platelet depleted from the body of the dengue victim. For one to remain healthy, platelet count in his blood should not be below 50.
However, there is a bright side about the outbreak, aside from the fact that it would go away pretty soon–time and again, it has been proven that what goes up, inevitably comes down –we are seeing government, the governed, the health professionals and civil society put their act together to combat the disease, executing the protocols that would make dengue go away eventually. This is just as well because dengue does not discriminate as to the age, color, ideology, and socio-economic status of its victims.
The local government units as well as the health department have been quick to react to the situation, providing funds for their sick constituents and spearheading massive clean-up activities in the communities. On the other hand, the health professionals have not been found wanting in providing their services. Even civil society, through the Rotary clubs, is doing its share specially in maintaining the desired level of blood supply by conducting bloodletting activity. Once again, the soldiers, the usual unsung heroes in emergency situations like this, have donated most of the blood.
We all know by now that the “common denominator” of the victims is unsanitary surroundings that are ideal breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Logically, therefore, the most effective way to prevent being afflicted with the disease is to have clean surroundings. And since, the dengue-carrying mosquitoes can fly a radius of 400 meters, not just your home and yards, but also those of your neighbors should always be clean and sanitary. This is not that easy to do especially when communities are often visited by heavy rains which result in flooding and leaving plenty of stagnant water. (Note that scientists have already forecast a wet climate for the Philippines and much of Asia up to the turn of the century.) Maintaining the communities’ cleanliness and sanitation could be problematic without the coercive power of the local government which is mandated to enforce certain laws and ordinances.
In certain cities it took bringing court charges against violators to prove that their leaders meant business. With its initial actions, sometimes veering towards the maverick, we trust that the Inday Sara Duterte administration has the political will to do it.
