Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) today started the Training on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) for sanitary inspectors of Palawan.
“We want all sanitary inspectors and health personnel at the local level to be properly equipped and trained on the organization, management, education, enforcement, consultation, and emergency response for the prevention of environmental health hazards in the community” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.
“The promotion of public health and protection of the community as well as the environment is vital in order to prevent another onset of gastrointestinal outbreak such as diarrhea, cholera and gastroenteritis,” he added.
The four-day training from November 7-10, 2017, will focus on the proper identification of pathogens, their signs and symptoms, causes and prevention.
“Sustainable sanitation can only be achieved through the support of the local government units and local health officers. By recognizing their responsibility and providing them the necessary tools and skills, outbreaks and disease transmission at the local level can be avoided immediately”, Janairo emphasized.
The major cause in the transmission and spread of gastrointestinal infections such as intestinal parasitism is improper waste disposal. It is also responsible for the contamination of water supply sources which can result to outbreaks of diseases like cholera and gastroenteritis.
The Water and Sanitation Division of the Environmental and Occupational Health Office of the DOH identified environment factors such as air and water pollution, sanitation conditions and hygiene practices which contribute to the spread of diseases and accounts for 22% of the reported illnesses and 6% of the reported deaths in the country.
“The reality is that open defecation is still being practice in most areas of the country, especially in provinces where there is lack of access to water supply and inadequate basic sanitation,” Janairo disclosed.
To reduce this practice, the regional office has been providing toilet bowls and has already distributed a total of 400 pieces in various provinces including 100 bowls to Quezon, Palawan; 60 pcs. to Concepcion, Romblon; 100 to Bansud, Oriental Mindoro; 60 to Araceli, Palawan; and 80 bowls to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
“Slowly but surely with the support of LGUs, we can improve and develop these areas and provide the necessary health and environment safeguards,” Janairo concluded.
