By Leilani S. Junio
MANILA, June 8 (PNA) — The Department of Health (DOH) formally launched on Monday its HI-5 Program or High-Impact Breakthrough Strategies to ensure the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of universal health care as envisioned by the Aquino administration’s straight path of good governance.
The launching ceremony was made at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila to highlight the enhancement and fast-tracking of the existing health services in compliance with the MDGs and also as a legacy of the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
DOH Assistant Secretary Elmer G. Punzalan and National Capital Region Office (NCRO) Regional Director Ariel L. Valencia led the launching as they explained the strategies under the HI-5 Impact Breakthrough program.
Punzalan said the strategies consist of reduction of infant mortality rate by 20 percent; lowering under-five mortality rate by 22 percent; reducing maternal mortality rate by 57 percent; halting Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) by 40 percent; and increasing the service delivery networks in poor communities.
Prior to the launching event in the morning, a Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 ride from the Tayuman Station to Vito Cruz Station and mini-parade along Vito Cruz St. to the hotel venue was held.
The DOH officials also unveiled the HI-5 Gallery which showcases the best high five practices of every local government unit (LGU) promoting the health programs in coordination with the DOH.
“This is in line with DOH’s vision, through the directive and vision of Secretary (Janette) Garin focusing on making the health services accessible to every Filipino family as envisioned by President Aquino’s goal of straight path of good governance,” Director Valencia said.
Assistant Secretary Punzalan added that LGUs’ participation is vital to the attainment of the success of the strategies that they will roll out in the remaining year of the Aquino administration.
Also as part of the event, Punzalan and Valencia spearheaded the signing of a pledge of commitment by participating non-governmental organizations (NGOs), mayors’ league representatives and other health advocates.
The event was simultaneously duplicated in other selected areas in the country.
“What we need to do now is strengthen the existing programs as we are trying to come out with response to the gaps previously identified through consultative meetings with LGUs,” Valencia said.
He cited as an example that in terms of maternal care, they will ensure that complete or holistic programs in protecting pregnant mothers and their babies are undertaken.
These include providing them with the needed ferrous sulfate, check-up, counseling and even giving them access to testing for HIV/AIDS (if they want), giving them referral services in case they will likely have birth complications and other services that they need to ensure the safe delivery of the baby to prevent any maternal or infant death. (PNA)