PRC provides health aid to Typhoon ‘Enteng’ victims
THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has provided health and hygiene services to more than 4,800 individuals affected by the southwest monsoon intensified by Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally known as “Yagi”) from September 2 to 6.
As of 1 p.m. yesterday, the PRC’s Health units have conducted health promotion and awareness sessions on common diseases during the rainy season like dengue and leptospirosis for 1,716 evacuees in Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Bulacan, Laguna, and La Union. The PRC has mobilized five food trucks, served hot meals to 9,671 individuals, and distributed food items (bread/donuts) to 7,363 people in evacuation centers in Metro Manila, and provinces in Regions I, III, IV-A, and VIII.
Around 670 individuals in Quezon City, Manila, and Valenzuela received medicines, vitamins, and doxycycline (anti-leptospirosis medication). 56 people in Bataan and La Union were also given hygiene kits, while 244 people in Bulacan, La Union, and Nueva Ecija received information and education materials distributed by RC143 volunteers and staff.
Meanwhile, 2,176 evacuees in Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Laguna, and Pangasinan participated in hygiene promotion activities led by PRC’s wash, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) teams. Children were taught proper hand washing with soap, and other sanitation practices.
“Health is a top priority for the Red Cross. In times of calamities, it’s not enough simply to survive, we have to make sure they stay healthy as well. Since disaster-stricken areas are also prone to many diseases, we aim to inform families and communities about how to identify health risks and treat these illnesses. We ask the public to be always mindful of their surroundings, and continue to be on alert,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.