Left party declares all-out war vs. dengue

National Day of Action set on September 5

Activists from a progressive political party will temporarily exchange their placards for anti-dengue mosquito traps as it declared an all-out war against dengue in an effort to contain the spread of the life-threatening virus in the country.

Akbayan Party said the containment and prevention of Dengue is a paramount issue that must be addressed by all.

“We declare an all-out war against dengue as we join the Filipino people in the campaign to prevent the spread of the virus. It is not merely a government issue, but a people’s issue; hence, a left issue that must be addressed by progressives such as those belonging to Akbayan,” Marichris Cabreros, Akbayan Acting President said.

Activists as campaigners vs. dengue

Cabreros said while the campaign against Dengue is the primary responsibility of the government, activists and other political advocates from different civil society organizations and social movements have an important role to play in the containment of the virus.

“While we believe the health department is doing a good job in handling these cases, it cannot do it alone. Thus, even as we encourage a more intensified and concerted effort among different government departments and agencies, we challenge political and social activists to throw in their support. Being immersed in many communities, activists can serve as organic educators and campaigners against the disease,” Cabreros said.

“The health of our people should be a paramount issue among political advocates working for meaningful change,” Cabreros added.

National Day of Action

Cabreros also said Akbayan is devoting a day to go around various communities all over the country to help in the campaign against the deadly dengue virus.

Dubbed as the national day of action and vigilance against dengue, members and volunteers of the group will simultaneously troop to different communities in Metro Manila and in several provinces on September 5 to inform people how to prevent dengue and treat mild cases.

Cabreros said this is the second time Akbayan will hold a national activity against Dengue. It was reported that the party conducted a national day of action against Dengue last year during the height of the spread of the virus.

“We will go to targeted communities to conduct information campaigns and clean-up drives. We will also distribute anti-dengue mosquito traps to help communities get rid of the disease.

Cabreros said the target areas for the activity are Metro Manila, Quezon City, La Union, Naga, Bicol, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod Davao and General Santos city.

According to a July 2011 disease surveillance report of the Department of Health, a total of 38, 876 dengue was reported nationwide. Most of the cases were from the following regions: National Capital Region, Region III and Region IV-A. Most of the cases belonged to the 1 to 10 years age group.

While DoH said that there was a drop in documented dengue cases, four regions in Luzon, including Metro Manila have marked increases of dengue cases. It was reported that all cities and one municipality in the metropolis have registered increases. In Malabon alone, the numbers are up by 90 percent—491 cases compared to 259 last year.