UP Manila holds medical mission in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) Disaster Relief Operations conducted a medical mission last month in Victoria, Laguna to help residents severely affected by flooding caused by typhoon Pepeng.

Many houses in Victoria, which is located along Laguna de Bay, were still submerged in neck-deep waters when the medical mission was held. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees of UP Manila conducted the medical mission at the town’s San Roque Multi-Purpose Hall.

Free medical check-ups and medicines were provided to flood victims while children below five years of age and adults were given free DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) and tetanus toxoid vaccination, respectively at the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) booth. Free Hib vaccines donated by Novartis Healthcare Philippines were also administered to children. Hib vaccination can prevent pneumonia and meningitis in children.

The vaccination activity was arranged through the PFV by pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Lulu Bravo, vice chancellor and executive director of the National Institute of Health, as part of the disaster relief operations.