MANILA, Philippines - Four new temperature scanners worth P1.2 million each were installed at the arrival areas of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to detect passengers afflicted with the flu virus.
Influenza A(H1N1) cases in the country totaled 5,212 as of Oct. 17, according to reports by the Department of Health (DOH). Of the number, 30 died while the others completely recovered.
NAIA doctor Antonio Garcia said the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) T360 thermal scanners are auto focus and can detect temperature at a longer range. These also have a memory card that can record passenger images.
“Whatever the scanners detect, we can review it and finally see the picture of the passenger detected by the scanners,” Garcia said.
He said the new FLIR T360 scanners are also more sensitive.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Alfonso Cusi said thermal scanning and the use of footbaths at NAIA terminals have been observed since the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and avian flu.
“As the main entry point of our country, we remain vigilant and strict in implementing pre-cautionary measures, as this would help in preventing the entry of any dreaded diseases that might be transported by our balikbayans and foreign visitors. Anyone may be susceptible and be infected and be a potential carrier, that’s why we must exert extra effort in safeguarding the health of all,” Cusi said.
MIAA assistant general manager for Airport Development and Corporate Affairs Tirso Serrano said NAIA is now prepared for flu threats, but will acquire new technologies and medicine if necessary.
“We are confident that NAIA, our premier gateway, is ready for any escalation of the flu threats. However, we take it upon ourselves not to be complacent on the matter, as we would like to respond to any scenario and corresponding measures that the situation calls for and the management will fully support any acquisition of new technology and medicines,” Serrano said.
Do not lose focus on Influenza A(H1N1)
Sen. Edgardo Angara asked the Department of Health not to lose focus on Influenza A(H1N1) despite the surge of other diseases like leptospirosis, dengue, malaria, and tuberculosis, and urged the agency to seek the assistance of international agencies and pharmaceutical companies in implementing both preventive and curative responses.
“While government must spearhead preventive and curative efforts, a more inclusive approach is crucial at this time when our health system is already burdened by the emergencies brought about by (tropical storm) Ondoy and (typhoon) Pepeng,” Angara said.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Consumer products manufacturing giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines has tied-up with the Department of Education (DepEd) to promote proper hand washing among public school children nationwide.
P&G has pledged to donate Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) packs to public school students this school year to promote proper hand washing, brushing of teeth, and regular de-worming.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said that these measures are effective in promoting healthy habits since students are given the items they need to start the routine.
“These low-cost preventive measures can cut by half the spread of infectious diseases and eventually lessen the incidence of school absences and drop-out,” he said.
Eighty-five percent of school-aged children are enrolled. Out of 10 grade one pupils, only seven are expected to complete grade six and only five continue to high school.
A study by the DepEd and the University of the Philippines College of Public Health showed that poor health among Filipino children affects their attendance and performance in school. The study also showed that 97 percent of six year olds and 81 percent of 12 year olds have dental caries, or tooth decay.
The study also shows that school-based fluoride tooth brushing programs reduce tooth decay among children by 40 to 50 percent.
Multinational firm Colgate-Palmolive Philippines, which also produces consumer goods, earlier launched a similar campaign.
The project will be carried out in 1,168 elementary schools. Nine thousand schoolteachers and volunteer parents will be trained in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project.
The United Nations International Childrens’ Education Fund (UNICEF) has also tied up with GMA Kapuso Foundation for the Linis Lusog Kids project that aims to improve water and sanitation facilities in public schools. – With Christina Mendez, Rainier Allan Ronda