Going GREEN iSCHOOL
An Advocacy Promoting Environmental Health and Sanitation in School
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Health Programs
The Philippines Department of Health advocates wellness and healthy living among individuals, communities and families through implementing Key Health Programs across the region. Specifically, this page elaborates on Key Health Programs designed to the health needs of the Filipino children.
National Dengue Prevention and Control Program
The National Dengue Prevention and Control Program was first initiated by the Department of Health (DOH) in 1993. Region VII and the National Capital Region served as the pilot sites. It was not until 1998 when the program was implemented nationwide. The target populations of the program are the general population, the local government units, and the local health workers.
Provision of Potable Water Program
The program aims to contribute to the attainment of the goal of providing potable water to the entire country and the targets defined in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 Millennium Development Goals (MDG), and the Philippine Water Supply Sector Roadmap and the Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Roadmap.
Schistosomiasis Control Program
Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by blood fluke, specifically Schistosoma japonicum. An individual may acquire the infection from fresh water contaminated with larval cercariae, which develop in snails. Infected yet untreated individuals could transmit the disease through discharging schistosome eggs in feces into bodies of water.
National Rabies Prevention and Control Program
Rabies is a human infection that occurs after a transdermal bite or scratch by an infected animal, like dogs and cats. It can be transmitted when infectious material, usually saliva, comes into direct contact with a victim’s fresh skin lesions. Rabies may also occur, though in very rare cases, through inhalation of virus-containing spray or through organ transplants.
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness
The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness strategy has been introduced in an increasing number of countries in the region since 1995. IMCI is a major strategy for child survival, healthy growth and development and is based on the combined delivery of essential interventions at community, health facility and health systems levels. IMCI includes elements of prevention as well as curative and addresses the most common conditions that affect young children. The strategy was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Malaria Control Program
Malaria is a parasite-caused disease that is usually acquired through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. It can be transmitted in the following ways: (1) blood transfusion from an infected individual; (2) sharing of IV needles; and (3) transplacenta (transfer of malaria parasites from an infected mother to its unborn child).
Garantisadong Pambata
Comprehensive and integrated package of services and communication on health, nutrition and environment for children available everyday at various settings such as home, school, health facilities and communities by government and non-government organizations, private sectors and civic groups.
Food Fortification Program
Republic Act 8976, “An Act Establishing the Philippine Food Fortification Program and for other purposes” mandating fortification of flour, oil and sugar with Vitamin A and flour and rice with iron by November 7, 2004 and promoting voluntary fortification through the SPSP, Signed into law on November 7, 2000
Soil Transmitted Helminth Control Program
Given the relatively high prevalence rate of STH infections in the country and the existing issues confronting the implementation of the STHCP nationwide, there is a need to integrate all related efforts and strengthen coordination of those involved to ensure better complementation of resource, obtain higher coverage and generate better health outcomes. Within the Department of Health (DOH), several programs exist which are viable mechanisms to operationalize an integrated approach in preventing and controlling STH infections more effectively and efficiently.
Leprosy Control Program
To ensure the provision of a comprehensive, integrated quality leprosy services at all levels of health care.
Food and Waterborne Diseases Prevention and Control Program
The program covers diseases of a parasitic, fungal, viral, and bacteria in nature, usually acquired through the ingestion of contaminated drinking water or food. The more common of these diseases are bacterial in nature, the most common of which are typhoid fever and cholera.
