As health programs implementors of the Department of Health, the City Health Office’ plans and programs are patterned to that of the Department. It is also interesting to note that Public Health Programs are all geared towards the PREVENTIVE aspect of health care and NOT CURATIVE. Hence, all personnel are trained on the prevention and control of different diseases.

We have non-devolved programs where supplies/medicines necessary for the implementation of such programs are given as augmentation from the Department.

Accomplishments on the different Public Health Programs are as follows:


PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

One priority program of the Department of Health in 2003 is the Control of Tuberculosis (TB) because statistics show that TB is still the 5th leading cause of death nationwide. About 132 die daily because of TB. In the Western Pacific, the Philippines ranks # 1 with regards to TB prevalence and we rank # 2 worldwide. Intensification of case finding wherein all TB symptomatic were asked to give 3 sputum for smearing and examination for 3 consecutive days. Purpose of which is to find all positive (+) sputum that are highly infectious. These patients can infect 10 persons per year for 2 years. Total symptomatic collected with sputum were 376. Out of the sputum collected, 9 were found positive. Those who were negative (-) by sputum examination, they were referred for X-ray. Findings show that 17 were positive through the Chest X-ray. With all positive cases (+) by sputum (+) by Chest X-ray, they were given treatment for 6-8 months duration. During treatment, sputum from these patients should be collected  every 2 months to determine the effectivity of the treatment.

The most important aspect in the prevention and control of Pulmonary Tuberculosis is the Health Education and Information Campaign by the health personnel through the Barangay Health  Workers’ trainings and meetings. Person to person information campaign, bench conferences and barangay clinics.


LEPROSY

Leprosy is a chronic mildly communicable disease that affects the skin and nerves. If untreated, it may cause severe physical disabilities and emotional distress to the patients. Prevalence rate of Leprosy in the Philippines is decreased significantly from 7.2 per 10,000 in 1986 to 2.4 per 10,000 in 2005. This was largely due to the countrywide implementation of Multiple Drug Therapy that started in 1989. At the start of 2006, we had 11 case ongoing Multi Drug Therapy and 2 had completed 1 year treatment. Leprosy elimination campaign, an intensive case finding strategy of the DOH was held 2nd quarter of 2005. We visited the cases and examined their contacts. One new case was found and started treatment. Health Information Campaign to the general populace on the early signs and symptoms of leprosy and how to prevent and control the disease.


CONTROL OF DIARRHEAL DISEASES

Diarrhea disease is a leading cause of childhood morbidity/mortality in the developing countries like the Philippines, and a major cause of under nutrition. Studies show that children below 5 years old suffer 2 episodes of diarrhea per year. Repeated attacks of diarrhea lead to under nutrition, poor growth development. Significant development in recent years have been the discovery that dehydration due to diarrheas of all etiologies and in all age groups can be safely and effectively treated by the simple method of oral rehydration salts (Oresol) and appropriated feeding during and after diarrhea. Total cases consulted and were given Oresol  were 53. Health education information and promotion of appropriated childcare and proper environmental health practices in the reduction of diarrheal morbidity/mortality are a continuous, long term goal of the CDD program.


DENGUE CONTROL PROGRAM

Dengue fever is an acute viral disease that usually affects infants and young children. Aedes Aegypti, a day biting mosquito, transmit it.

Outbreaks of dengue fever commonly occur at the onset of rainy season until October. As public health workers, our task is on:

1. Surveillance – case finding and referral; outbreak investigation
2. Campaign on the long term control measures, elimination/reduction of vector breeding sources by motivating the community to observe cleanliness and sanitation. Health education and information campaign on what dengue is all about in all the schools and barangays.
3. Short-term control is to be used only during epidemics and that is through Chemical Control or Space Spraying.

   
RABIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM

This program is jointly implemented by the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government and Non Government Organizations. General objective of the program is to reduce incidence of Human rabies from 7 per million to 1 per million population and to reduce the incidence of canine rabies from 70 per 100,000 dogs by the year 2015. Specific objective is to provide free post exposure treatment to 100% of high risk animal bite patients.

Total number of animal bite cases was 115.
Total number of cases given with free post exposure treatment/vaccine was 94(5 doses per case).


HIV / AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM

The Department of Health launched the program in August 1988. Health personnel were then trained on the prevention and control of said illness of the absence of a cure or vaccine.

We do health education and information dissemination about AIDS prevention, especially among individuals who are engaged in high risk behaviors, vulnerable groups and the general population.

The incidence of AIDS cases in our country is also aggravated by environmental conditions including malnutrition, poor sanitation and poor overall health habits. As a health workers, we integrate our HIV/AIDS campaign program in our health teachings to couples and clients on Family Planning.

FAMILY PLANNING

Family Planning services provided for by public health workers are the following: information, education and communication serves as the link between beneficiary awareness and needs with the country’s health objectives. As health educators, we are responsible in correcting misconceptions about the program involving both the couple.

Motivation of candidates for family planning is being done to all interested clients. For year 2006, 2,898 had undergone individual counseling as continuing users, 191 were motivated to accept the following methods: Intra Uterine Device (IUD) – 21 acceptors, this method requires a check-up after a week, then after a month. Third check-up must be 6 months after the insertion of the IUD then a yearly follow-up. Condom – 6 users were provided as need arise. Depo-medroxy progesterone acetate – 61 users. The route of this method is through intramuscular injection. Clients are injected every three months. Pill – 111 users, the clients of this method are required to get their supplies once a month.

We encouraged all married women of reproductive age to have their pap smear at least annually to determine any abnormalities, infections and malignancies. One hundred thirty two clients were subjected for Pap smear. Specimen collected by the trained nurses/midwife were sent to laboratory for analysis. Couples who were candidate for marriage are counseled for family planning and responsible parenthood, as well.


EXPANDED PROGRAM ON IMMUNIZATION

Estimates reveal that tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diptheria, pertusis, tetanus, and measles are responsible for the deaths of about 5 million children every year in developing countries. These diseases are preventable thru immunization with a handful of vaccines that can be given within the first year of child’s life.
    
Immunization has been recognized and accepted as one of the most important components in the prevention and control of communicable diseases, a basic health service integrated into the health care delivery system of the Health Department.

Estimated eligible population for this program is 3% of the total population, 0-12 months old. Out of the target we were able to immunize 451 children of BCG – anti TB for the newborn 0-12 months old. Wherein the total births is 598.

DPT vaccine means anti-diptheria, pertusis, and tetanus vaccine  given to 1320 children in 3 divided doses, most often than not the DPT vaccine is given with oral polio vaccine, 1,278 children  were administered the OPV, also in 3 divided doses.

Hepatitis B  vaccine is administered to 765 children below 1 year of age, also in 3 divided doses.

DPT, OPV, Hepatitis B vaccine is administered to a child who is 45 days old to 12 months old.

Anti measles vaccine is given 559 children whose age range from 9 months-12 months old.

Tetanus vaccine is given to pregnant mothers. Adequate tetanus toxoid immunization of women prevents tetanus for both the mother and the newborn. The newborn is protected in the utero through the transfer of maternal antibody across the placenta via the fetal circulation. All pregnant should be given at least 2 doses. One
hundred ninety one of the pregnant women are given TT1. TT1 is the first dose administered during the fifth mo9nth of pregnancy or anytime during the 2nd trimester. One hundred seventy eight of the pregnant women are given the TT2. TT2 is the 2nd dose of toxoid administered with an interval of one month from the first dose. Eighty nine of mothers were administered the  3rd dose of tetanus toxoid or TT3 with an interval of 6 months after the TT2 was given. For the TT4, 83 of the others were administered the said toxoid with an

interval of 1 year after the TT3 is given. TT5 or 5th dose of tetanus toxoid is administered to 56 mothers with an interval of 1 year after the TT4 dose is given. Gauge on the effectivity of the immunization program, there are no reported case of the different immunizable diseases.


NUTRITION PROGRAM

Micronutrient malnutrition particularly vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and iodine deficiency disorder continue to persist as a public health problem. Studies reveal the above deficiencies result in learning disabilities, mental retardation, poor health, low work capacity, blindness and premature death among the population especially children.

Micronutrient supplementation has been proven to be one of the most beneficial and cost efficient measures to immediately correct deficiencies and prevent adverse consequences. For the year 2006, the health personnel conducted 2 rounds of Garantisadong Pambata as on of the especial program of the Department of Health.

Target groups were given micronutrient supplements as follows: Children 0-59 months old were given vit. A – 7,897.


CONTROL OF RESPIRATORY INFECTION

Total number of respiratory cases admitted and consulted was 1,980. They were given medicines and proper health education to the clients.


PRE – MARRIAGE COUNSELLING

Every Thursday of the month, pre-marriage counseling is given to all couples applying for marriage. Lectures given by the Department of Agriculture as home management; DSWD – values education and social services; POPCOM is responsible on the lecture on responsible parenthood, while Health Department tackles on family planning and all the programs  regarding health. Total numbers of couples attended the one day seminar/lecture were 261. After the lecture a certificate of attendance is issued for each couple for them to be able to get their license for marriage.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The first five years of a child is the most critical phase of growth and development. If not given the proper nourishment, care and attention, the child would be prone to malnutrition and blindness due to Vit. A deficiency, mental retardation, dental caries, parasitism and common childhood illnesses among others.

The Garantisadong Pambata aims to deliver a package of health services for children through an integrated approach for purpose of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality.

All necessary medicines for the Garantisadong Pambata activity were provided by the DOH.

The following service and accomplishments were as follow: Vitamin A 12-59 months – 7,897