Anti-infectious disease health program for transport groups launched in Puerto Princesa

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By Catherine Santos

A comprehensive health program for transport groups in Puerto Princesa was officially launched on Thursday, October 27, by Project H4, a community-based organization in the City, in partnership with the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI) and the Department of Health-MIMAROPA. Dubbed as ‘TODO na to’, the program seeks to promote health and safety awareness, including knowledge on preventing infectious diseases such as HIV, among public transport drivers—tricycle/multi-cab/jeepneys—in the city, according to Marvi Trudeau, Program Manager of PSFI.

“Ang objective talaga nito ay mabigyan ng isang programa na pangkalusugan at pangkaligtasan ang mga public transport drivers. Gusto natin matuto sila ng mga health hazards na nakukuha nila at to give them preventive measures,” Trudeau added.

According to Dr. Emerose Moreno, Cluster Head for Infectious Disease of DOH-MIMAROPA, transport groups can be considered as a vulnerable population in terms of risk to infectious diseases. “There are target populations for specific diseases. For infectious diseases, [the] target population ay urban poor. Kasama doon ang mga TODA, inmates, those residing in squatters’ area, kasama ‘yun sa vulnerable group,” Dr. Moreno explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Louie Ocampo, Ospital ng Palawan’s Chief of Medical Professional Staff, said that the program is timely because of the high HIV incidence rate in Puerto Princesa, although he clarified that the program does not intend to invoke any stereotypes. “Kasi in the past mayroon kasi sa industry na ito (transport) na nag-positive, nagkaroon ng HIV. It’s more on the risky behavior. Again, I don’t want to stereotype na porke driver ganun. Again, I want to reiterate that everyone is at risk kung mag-iengage sila sa high-risk sexual behavior,” Ocampo pointed out.

Today’s launching featured several medical services including a TB screening/check-up, HIV orientation and testing, and general medical check-up with free medicines. An orientation on road safety and city traffic rules and regulations was also conducted.

Currently, there are 65 people living with HIV that are undergoing treatment at Ospital ng Palawan’s Redtop Center.

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