IN THE FACE of escalating dengue cases in Iloilo, which have soared by 191% compared to last year, the province’s response has been swift and strategic. The recent convening of the Provincial Civil Defense Cluster signals the urgency with which our leaders are tackling this burgeoning health crisis. However, this situation underscores a broader need – enhancing our health infrastructure and establish more robust, permanent rapid response systems.
The statistics are worrisome — 2,949 dengue cases and six deaths within just seven months — and they paint a grim picture of the challenges ahead. The rapid assembly of key provincial officials and stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive action plan is a wise step. Still, it is but a temporary solution to a recurring threat. Dengue, with its potentially fatal complications, is an annual menace, exacerbated by our tropical climate and periodic heavy rains. The rise in cases each year begs the question: Are we equipped to handle not just dengue but any infectious disease outbreak?
Iloilo’s experience this year should prompt the establishment of permanent health structures designed for rapid mobilization. We must pivot towards long-term solutions. This means investing in permanent health infrastructure capable of not only meeting the current needs but also anticipating future challenges. Infrastructure improvements could include the expansion of local hospitals, increased stocking of necessary medical supplies, and the integration of advanced diagnostic tools that can reduce response times in critical situations.
A permanent, well-coordinated rapid response system is also important. Such a system should be dynamic, able to mobilize quickly with predefined protocols when the threat of an outbreak looms. It should function seamlessly across various levels of government and involve local communities to ensure swift action and minimize the spread of diseases.
Our current challenge with dengue also points to the need for continuous training and capacity building among healthcare professionals and emergency responders. The knowledge and readiness of our frontline defenders are our best tools in mitigating the impact of any health crisis. They need to be equipped with not only the skills but also the resources to combat these threats effectively.
The health of our citizens is too valuable to rely solely on emergency responses. Investing in our health infrastructure and rapid response capabilities is not just a necessity but a duty to the people of Iloilo, ensuring that when the next health crisis hits, we are prepared not just to react, but to protect.
