MANILA: Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go (pic) has strongly urged Filipinos to maintain heightened vigilance following a report by the Department of Health (DOH) on the over 190,000 documented influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the country.
Go, chairperson of the Senate committee on health and demography, expressed deep concern over the escalating public health issue, particularly during the holiday season.
“Each one of us needs to be more vigilant and responsible in our daily activities,” Go said.
“Remember that health and caring for each other are important. This is the gift that we should value this Christmas season. The equivalent of health is the life of every Filipino,” he said.
The senator stressed the importance of collective effort in curbing the spread of such health threats, including flu, influenza, Covid-19, and other respiratory illnesses.
In a Senate hearing on Dec 18, on the reported rise of respiratory illnesses, Go, together with the DOH, appealed for the need for continued mask usage, despite its voluntary nature. He also emphasised the crucial lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and the necessity for bolstered preparedness in the Philippine healthcare system.
According to the latest Disease Surveillance Report from the DOH, there have been 193,148 cases of ILI from Jan 1 to Nov 25, a notable 50% increase from the 128,386 cases reported during the same period in the previous year.
The data from DOH shows that the regions most impacted by this increase are Davao with 27,411 cases; Northern Mindanao with 24,357 cases; and Central Visayas with 23,470 cases. Additionally, regions such as the Zamboanga Peninsula, National Capital Region, and Cordillera Administrative Region have experienced the most significant rise in cases compared to last year.
Despite the rise in cases, the DOH report shows a decrease in ILI-related deaths, dropping to a 0.14 per cent case fatality rate this year, compared to 0.38 per cent in 2022.
Go commended the DOH for its enhanced disease surveillance and monitoring efforts. However, the senator cautioned against complacency.
“While it’s heartening to see a decrease in fatalities, we cannot let our guard down. Every life matters, and we must continue our efforts to protect our fellow Filipinos,” Go said. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
