For Dengue: Rama wants city under state of preparedness

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants the city to be placed under state of preparedness because of the alarming cases of dengue.

Rama convened the department heads yesterday to discuss the city’s preparation to counter the dreaded mosquito-borne disease. He said it was established during the meeting that the present situation is precarious because it can reach a level of an outbreak if nothing is done about it.

“We are tackling and focusing on priorities. Continuing on what has been already pursued and then being mindful that there are still other things that should be done simultaneously since we might end up taking more than what we can [manage],” Rama said.

It was agreed during the meeting for the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to recommend for the declaration of the city under state of preparedness. He explained that the declaration is needed for disaster fund.

“It’s better advance than sorry so that it will be addressed. When will the city come in, when it becomes an outbreak?” he asked.

The top five priorities that need to be done to prevent dengue have been identified during the meeting yesterday. Rama said a detailed and comprehensive planning is needed to combat dengue.

“If we will not be putting some interventions, what’s next? Dengue if not timely addressed like some medical steps to be required, it will definitely end up with an untimely casualty. That is why bottoms up involvement are very important,” he said.

Rama directed the City Health Department and Quick Response Team to hold massive information drive about the dengue and how to counter it. Aside from information drive, a regular larvicidal activity and suction of all stagnant water in all barangays will be done.

Rama, anticipating any urgent situations, is also directing the barangay health centers to operate all day and night to facilitate emergencies such as those individuals suffering from dengue fever.

City health officials were likewise directed to have a thorough case study in Barangay Suba where two dengue casualties were recently recorded. — (FREEMAN)