Health teams dispatched to Mangsee in Palawan

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1022184
• Saturday, January 20, 2018

By Celeste Anna Formoso (PNA)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Various health teams were dispatched to “Vinta”-devastated island of Mangsee, Balabac, southern Palawan by the Department of Health (DOH)-MIMAROPA region to bring medicines and medical assistance to affected residents.

Regional health director Dr. Eduardo Janairo said Friday morning said they started the dispatch of some of the health teams on the island since Monday.

The teams include mental health and psychosocial support; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); disease and surveillance; health promotion; health and medical personnel from the Palawan Provincial Health Office and the National Nutrition Council.

The various health and medical teams will remain in Mangsee for seven days.

“These teams will provide health assistance to the affected residents of Balabac, assist and monitor the status of the water supply in these areas, such as those in deep wells and water pumps to avert growing cases of diarrhea and cholera,” he stated.

Janairo said there is a need to ascertain that the water being used by Mangsee residents is safe for drinking to safeguard the health and well-being of those temporarily residing in evacuation centers.

The WASH team was sent to monitor excreta disposal, solid waste management and provided disinfection of evacuation centers.

“Children are prone to contracting illnesses like diarrhea, also coughs and colds due to overcrowding in rooms,” he added.

According to him, water disinfectants like Hyposol and chlorine granules were provided for decontamination of water in the containers.

Water sampling was also conducted on water source sites to ascertain they are potable for human consumption.

He cautioned residents from drinking boiled water as it may be unfit and unsafe for one’s health.

“You may be drinking the leftovers from the boiling process that may contain aluminum particles, corrosions, and toxic materials,” Janairo said.

“We are continuously monitoring events and coordinating the health needs of residents in Balabac through the local government unit and Provincial Health Office. Assorted medicines like paracetamol, mefenamic acid, lagundi, etc. and doxycycline including first aid kits were already given to LGUs and rescuers,” Janairo said.