THE RAINY season in Iloilo does not only bring darkened skies; there’s also the threat of leptospirosis, a disease that could spiral into a public health crisis if left unchecked. The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has rightfully raised a pressing concern: while there has been a significant decrease in leptospirosis cases compared to last year — from 125 cases to just 50 — the risk of an outbreak remains high during the wet crop planting season.
At the heart of the battle against such outbreaks are the Rural Health Units (RHUs), which are important in early detection and prevention of diseases like leptospirosis. RHUs serve as the first line of defense of communities, providing crucial prophylaxis antibiotics free of charge and educating people about preventive measures. However, their effectiveness hinges on the resources and support they receive.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the IPHO, correctly pointed out the need for proper protective clothing and prophylaxis, especially for those involved in farming and those who are exposed to floodwaters. But the real challenge lies in ensuring that every individual at risk has access to these preventive measures. This is where the RHUs’ role becomes critical, and yet, they are often underfunded and under-resourced.
The discrepancy in leptospirosis case numbers across municipalities — from Leon with four cases to several others with only one — hints at varying levels of accessibility and effectiveness of local health units. Municipalities with fewer cases may not necessarily be less at risk but could benefit from better-equipped and more proactive RHUs.
To turn the tide against leptospirosis and other similar infectious diseases, funding and resources for RHUs must be a top priority. This means not only ensuring that they have enough medical supplies and prophylaxis antibiotics but also investing in ongoing training for healthcare workers to deal with outbreaks effectively. Strengthening RHUs would also enhance their capability to conduct community outreach programs that educate residents about the risks of leptospirosis and the importance of seeking prophylactic treatment.
Both local and national governments view investment in RHUs as a non-negotiable aspect of public health infrastructure. In fact, RHUs must be recognized not just as peripheral health outposts but as central pillars of community health. In Iloilo, their adequate funding and resources are essential to safeguarding communities against the recurrent specter of leptospirosis and other diseases.
