By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Oct. 19 (PNA) – In line with the directive of President Benigno Aquino III, the Department of Health (DOH) has teamed up with the World Health Organization (WHO) to build strong defense mechanisms against possible entry of Ebola virus disease in the country.
In an interview with radio station DzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Cloloma, Jr said, ”The DOH is set to conduct specialized training programs in partnership with WHO for the health workers on how to effectively monitor and fight the cases of EVD and control its entry in the Philippines.”
”The training will be part of the preparedness plan of the DOH against Ebola virus disease,” he added.
Coloma said the training will focus on case detection and reporting, outbreak management and response, surveillance at points of entry, case management, interagency coordination, planning and resource allocation.
”The plan of the DOH is based on comprehensive strategy of the WHO,” Coloma said.
The presidential spokesperson said elements of the strategy include: infection prevention control, contact tracing, case management, surveillance, laboratory capacity, safe burial, public awareness and community engagement, and national legislation and regulation to support the country’s readiness. (PNA)