IN order to curb the country’s rising dengue cases, Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Christopher “Bong” Go, on Thursday, July 14, has urged the national government, local government entities, the private sector, and communities to step up their collaboration efforts.

In a statement, Go expressed his concern regarding the rise in dengue cases in 15 out of 17 regions in the country, saying that the number has already surpassed the total number of cases last year.

“Ako ay talagang nababahala sa pagtaas ng bilang ng mga kaso ng dengue sa karamihan ng mga rehiyon sa buong bansa,” said Go.

“Lampas na sa mga number of cases ng mga nakaraang taon ang mga naitalang kaso ng dengue sa ngayon,” he added.

The senator then called on the Department of Health, LGUs, private sector and communities to closely collaborate and implement more rigorously the enhanced 4-S strategy against dengue. The strategy includes (1) “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, (2) “Secure Self Protection” from mosquito bite, (3) “Seek Early Consultation” when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and (4) “Say Yes to Fogging”.

“Let us do more in order to unburden further our people who are presently struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic,” urged the senator.

A major public health concern, dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that can quickly spread to certain areas especially where there are spaces or containers holding stagnant water. These areas are known breeding grounds of mosquitoes, which Go stressed must be mitigated.

The DOH reported on Monday that 64,797 cases were documented nationwide between January 1 and June 25. That is an increase of 90% from the same period last year. Meanwhile, 274 individuals have died from dengue this year, representing a case fatality rate of 0.4%.

According to the health department, the country’s rising dengue cases are already concerning because of a few severe cases while some are now being admitted to hospitals.

Earlier, the senator advised Filipinos to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness in their homes and surroundings to prevent and manage potential breakouts of rainy-day diseases like dengue fever while the nation is still grappling with the pandemic.

“Malaki po ang epekto ng malinis na kapaligiran sa pag-iwas natin sa mga sakit. Kaya naman umaapela ako sa mga komunidad natin na panatilihin natin na malinis ang ating kapaligiran, lalo na kapag may stagnant water na pinamamahayan ng mga lamok,” said Go.

“Panatilihin din nating malinis ang mga eskwelahan lalo na‘t marami na ang nagsasagawa ng face-to-face classes,” he added.

The senator also reminded Filipinos that they may seek medical assistance from the government through any of the 151 Malasakit Centers across the country.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together all government agencies that offer medical assistance programs, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Lapitan niyo lang, mayroon kayong Malasakit Center. Kung mayroon kayong kailangan, lapitan niyo lang ako, ako na ang tutulong sa inyo,” reassured Go, who is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act..

The senator has also proposed the establishment of Super Health Centers in key areas across the country, saying that improved access to quality public health services in the grassroots can be attained with such facilities.

“Layunin po ng mga centers na ito na mas ilapit pa sa ating mga kababayan ang mga serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno, lalo na sa mga nasa liblib na lugar at mga pinaka nangangailangan ng mga ito,” he said.