Republic Act

Republic Act No. 10055 - An act providing the framework and support system for the ownership,
management, use and commercialization of intellectual property generated from research
and development funded by government and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 10043 - An act establishing a Malaria, tropical Infectious Disease Research
and Treatment Institute in the Municipality of Sibutu province of Tawi-tawi, integrating thereto the Datu
Alawaddin Bandon Hospital, and appropriating funds therefor

Republic Act No. 10068 - An act providing for the development a promotion of organic agriculture in
the Philippines and for other purposes

Republic Act No. 10069 - An act declaring may 7 of every year as "Health Workers Day"

Republic Act No. 9792 - An act changing the name of the Davao Medical Cneter in Davao City tothe
Southern Philippines Medical Center, increasing its bed capacity from six hundred (600) to one thousand two
hundred (1,200), upgrading its service facilities and professional health care, authorizing the increase of its
medical personnel and apprpriating funds therefor

Republic Act No. 9790 - An act converting the Culion Sanitarium in the Municipality of Culion, Province of
Palawan into the Culion Sanitarium and Genreal Hospital and appropriating funds therefor

Republic Act No. 9793 - An act increasing the bed capacity of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in
Tacloban City from two hundred fifty (250) to five hundred (500), upgrading its service and facilities and
professional health care, authorizing the increase of its medical personnel and appropriating funds therefor

Republic Act No. 9791 - An act amending Republic Act No. 7532, converting the Batangas Regional
Hospital to the Batangas Medical Center, further increasing its bed capacity to five hundred (500) beds

Republic Act No. 9775 - An act defining and penalizing the crime of child pornography, prescribing
penalties therefor and ofor other purposes

Republic Act No. 9710 - An act providing for the Magna Carta of Women

Republic Act No. 9709 - An act establishing a universal newborn hearing screening program for the
prevention, early diagnosis and intervention of hearing loss.

Republic Act No. 10028 - An act expanding the promotion of breastfeefing, amending for the purpose
Reporblic Act No. 7600, Otherwise known as "An act providing incentives to all government and private
health institutions with rooming-in and breastfeeding practices and for other purposes.

Republic Act 9994 - An act granting additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens. Further amending
Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, otherwise known as "An Act to Maximize the contribution of Senior
Citizens to nation builiding, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes".

Republic Act 9803 - An act to encourage the donation of food for charitable purposes

Republic Act 10024 - An act regulating the practice of respiratory therapy, creating a professional
regulatory board of respiratory therapy, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes

Republic Act 10022 - An act amending Republic Act No. 8042 otherwise known as the migrant workers
and overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. As amended, further improving the standard of protection and
promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families and overseas Filipinos in distress, and for other
purposes.

Republic Act No. 9502 - An act providing for cheaper and quality medicines, amending for the purpose
Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code, Republic Act No. 6675 or the Generics Acts of 1988,
and Republic Act No. 5921 or the Pharmacy Law, and for other purposes

Republic Act No. 9482 - An Act Providing for the Control and Elimination of Human and Animal Rabies,
Prescribing Penalties for Violation Thereof and Appropriating Funds Therefore
Republic Act No. 9288 - Newborn Screening
An Act Promulgating A Comprehensive Policy and A National System For Ensuring Newborn Screening

Republic Act No. 9257 - Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003

An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens Amending for the Purpose Republic Act
No. 7432 Otherwise Known As "An Act To Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building,
Grant Benefits and Special Privileges and for other Purposes"

Republic Act No. 9211 - Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003

An Act Regulating the Packaging, Use, Sale Distribution and Advertisements of Tobacco Products and for
other Purposes

Republic Act No. 9165 - Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

An Act Instituting the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, repealing republic act no. 6425,
otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as amended, providing funds therefor and for other
purposes

Republic Act No. 8976

Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000

Republic Act No. 8749 - Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

An Act Providing For A Comprehensive Air Pollution Control Policy And For Other Purposes

Republic Act No. 8504 - Prevention and Control of 1988

Promulgating Policies And Prescribing Measures For The Prevention And Control Of Hiv/Aids In The
Philippines, Instituting A Nationwide HIV/Aids Information And Educational Program, Establishing A
Comprehensive Hiv/Aids
Monitoring System, Strengthening The hilippine National Aids Council, And For Other Purposes

Republic Act No. 8423 - Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA of 1997)
An Act creating the PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE (PITAHC) to
accelerate the development of traditional and alternative health care in the Philippines, providing for a
TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT FUND and for other purposes

Republic Act No. 8344 - An Act Prohibiting the Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments
An Act Prohibiting The Demand Of Deposits Or Advance Payments For The Confinement Or Treatment Of
Patients In Hospitals And Medical Clinics In Certain Cases

Republic Act No. 8203 - Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs

An Act of Prohibiting Counterfeit drugs, Providing Penalties for Violations and Appropriating Funds Thereof

Republic Act No. 7883 - Barangay Health Workers Benefits and Incentives Acts of 1995
An Act Granting Benefits and Incentives to Accredit Barangay Health Workers and for Other Purposes

Republic Act No. 7876 - Senior Citizens Center Act of the Philippines
An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building, Grant Benefits and Special
Privileges

Republic Act No. 7875 - National Health Insurance Act of 1995

An Act Instituting A National Health Insurance Program For All Filipinos And Establishing The Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation For The Purpose

Republic Act No. 7719 - National Blood Services Act of 1994

An Act Promoting Voluntary Blood Donation, Providing For An Adequate Supply Of Safe Blood Regulating
Blood Banks And Providing Penal Ties For Violation Thereof

Republic Act No. 7432 - Senior Citizen Act of 1992

An Act to Maximize the Contribution of Senior Citizens to Nation Building, Grant Benefits and Special
Privileges
Republic Act No. 7394
The Consumer Act Of The Philippines

Republic Act No. 7305 - Magna Carta of Public Health Workers

Magna Carta of Public Health Workers

Republic Act No. 7277 - An act providing for the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of
disabled person and thier integration into the mainstream of society and for other purposes.

Republic Act No. 7183 - An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and
Other Pyrotechnic Devices

Amendment to RA 7170 - Organ Donation Act of 1991

An Act To Advance Corneal Transplantation In The Philippines, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act
Numbered Seven Thousand One Hundred And Seventy (R.A. N0. 7170) Otherwise Known As The Organ
Donation Act Of 1991

Republic Act No. 6675 - Generics Act of 1988

An Act to Promote, Require and Ensure the Production Of An Adequate Supply, Distribution, Use And
Acceptance Of Drugs
And Medicines Identified By Their Generic Names

Republic Act No. 6425 - Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972

This Act shall be known and cited as "The Dangerous
Drugs Act of 1972."

Republic Act No. 5921

An Act Regulating The Practice Of Pharmacy And Settings Standards Of Pharmaceutical Education In The
Philippines And Other Purposes

Republic Act No. 4688 - An Act Regulating the Operation and Maintenance of Clinical Laboratories and
Requiring the Registration of the same with the Department of Health, Providing Penalty for the Violation
thereof, and for Other Purposes

Republic Act No. 4226 - Hospital Licensure Act

An Act Requiring the Licensure of all Hospitals in the Philippines and Authorizing the Bureau of Medical
Services to Serve as the Licensing Agency

Republic Act No. 1241- An act to amend certain provisions of RA 997 otherwise known as the
"Reorganization Act of 1954," approved June 9, 1954, and for other purposes

Republic Act No. 997 - An Act Creating the Government Survey and Reorganization Commission and
Appropriating Funds Therefor

Administrative Order
2008

1. Administrative Order No. 2008-0034 - Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Accreditation of
Hospitals Engaged in Kidney Transplantation
2. Administrative Order No. 2006-0004-B - Amendment to Certain Provision of Administrative
Order No. 2006-0004-A on the Guidelines for the Isuance of Certificate of Need to Establish A New
Hospital
3. Administrative Order No. 2008-0033 - Rules and Conditions in Exempting Antibiotic Drug
Products from the Batch Certification Requirement, Amending for this Purpose Item III (C) and (D)
of Administrative Order No. 103 s.2002 "Batch Certification of Antibiotics", and for Other Purposes
4. Administrative Order No. 2008-0032 - Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No.
9420 Known as "An Act Converting Two Hundred (200) Beds of 2,000 Beds Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez
Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium for Tertiary General Health Care, Appropriating Funds Therefore
and for Other Purposes"
5. Administrative Order No. 2008-0031 - Policies and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Training
Institutions, Training Programs and Training Providers for Massage Therapy in the Philippines
6. Administrative Order No. 2008-0030 - Renaming the National Codex Committee (NCC) to
National Codex Organization (NCO) and Amending its Terms of Reference (TOR)
7. Administrative Order No. 2008-0029 - Implementing Health Reforms for Rapid Reduction of
Maternal and Neonatal Mortality
8. Administrative Order No. 2008-0028 - Schedule of Fees for the One-Stop System for the
Regulation of Medical Facilities for Overseas Workers and Seafarers and Non-Hospital Based
Ambulatory Surgical Clinics with Ancillary Services
9. Administrative Order No. 2008-0027 - One-Stop Shop System for the Regulation of Medical
Facilities for Overseas Workers and Seafarers, Non-Hospital Based Dialysis Clinics and Non-Hospital
Based Ambulatory Surgical Clinics with Ancillary Services
10. Administrative Order No. 2008-0026 - Addendum to the Rules and Regulations Implementing
Republic Act No. 9288 Otherwise Known as the "Newborn Screening Act of 2004"
11. Administrative Order No. 2008-0025 - Guidelines on the Implementation of the Integrated Drug
Test Operations and Management Information System (IDTOMIS) for Screening and Confirmatory
Drug test Laboratory Operation
12. Administrative Order No. 2008-0024 - Adoption and Institutionalization of an Integrated Code
Alert System within the Health Sector
13. Administrative Order No. 2008-0023 - National Policy on Patient Safety
14. Administrative Order No. 2008-0022 - Policies and Guidelines in the Collaborative Approach of
TB and HIV Prevention and Control
15. Administrative Order No. 2008-0021 - Gradual Phase-Out of Mercury in All Philippine Health
Care Facilities and Institutions
16. Administrative Order No. 2008-0020 - Policy Guide on Local Health Systems Development
17. Administrative Order No. 2008-0019 - Revised Schedule of Fees for the Registration and
Licensure of Dental Laboratories in the Philippines
18. Administrative Order No. 2006-0018-A - Addendum to Administrative Order No. 2006-0018
entitled "Implementing Guidelines for the Philippine National Drug Formulary System"
19. Administrative Order No. 2008-0018 - Guidelines for the Implementation of the Programmatic
Management of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT)
20. Administrative Order No. 2008-0017 - Implementing Guidelines for the LGU Scorecard
21. Administrative Order No. 2008-0016 - Implementing Guidelines on Monitoring and Evaluation
for Equity and Effectiveness (ME3) in Support of Health Sector Strengthening Through FOURmula
One for Health
22. Administrative Order No. 2008-0015 - Guidelines and Policy Concerning the Regulation of Soap
Products as Defined under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and of Persons or Establishments
Manufacturing and/or Distributing the Same
23. Administrative Order No. 2008-0014 - Guidelines in the Pilot Implementation of the Electronic
Essential Drug Price Monitoring System (E-EDPMS)
24. Administrative Order No. 2008-0013 - Implementing Guidelines for the Department of Health
(DOH) P100 Project for DOH and Pilot LGU Hospitals.
25. Administrative Order No. 2008-0012 - Department of Health (DOH) Partnership with
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for Strengthening Support for Workplace Health
Programs
26. Administrative Order No. 2008-0011 - Revised Guidelines for Implementing Tuberculosis
Control Program in Children
27. Administrative Order No. 2008-0010 - Revised Rules and Regulations Governing the
Registration and Licensure of Dental Laboratories in the Philippines
28. Administrative Order No. 2008-0009 - Adopting the 2008 Revised List of Notifiable Diseases,
Syndromes, Health-Related Events and Conditions
29. Administrative Order No. 2008-0008 - Rules and Regulations Governing the Regulation of Blood
Service Facilities
30. Administrative Order No. 2008-0007 - Schedule of Fees for the Licensure of General Clinical
Laboratories and the Registration of Special Clinical Laboratories
31. Administrative Order No. 2008-0006 - Integrating Replication Strategies on DOH Operations
 32. Administrative Order No. 2008-0005 - Functional Arrangement for Managing Field
Implementation in Support of Health Sector Reform Efforts
33. Administrative Order No. 2008-0004A - Amendment to dministrative Order No. 2008-0004 on
Revised National Policy on Living Non-Related Organ Donation and Transplantation and Its
Implementing Structure
34. Administrative Order No. 2008-0004 - Revised National Policy on Kidney Transplantation from
Living Non-Related Organ Donor and Its Implementing Structures
35. Administrative Order No. 2008-0003 - Guidelines for the Preparation of Annual Operational Plan
(AOP) for 2008 and Yearly Thereafter Based on the Province-Wide Investment Plan for Health
(PIPH) for the Fourmula One (F1) 16 Convergence and Roll-Out Sites and Other Provinces
36. Administrative Order No. 2008-0002 - Posting of Schedule of Fees for Laboratory and Other
Diagnostic Services of Hospitals and Other Health Facilities
37. Administrative Order No. 2008-0001- Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No.
9439, Otherwise Known as "An Act Prohibiting the Detention of Patients in Hospitals and Medical
Clinics on Grounds of Non-Payment of Hospital Bills or Medical Expenses"

Department Memorandum

1. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0207 - Implementing Guidelines and Procedures for the
Online Reporting of Injury Cases/ Kontrapaputok
2. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0252 - Interim Guidelines to Assist Leptospirosis Cases in
Accessing Financial Assistance from the DOH
3. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0250 - Interim Guidelines on the Prevention of
Leptospirosis through the Use of Prophylaxis in Areas Affected by Floods
4. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0240 - Moratorium on Foreign Travel to Ensure Optimal
DOH Response to Recent Calamities
5. Department MemorandumNo. 2009-0239 - Implementation of and Attendance to Conferences,
Seminars, Training Programs, Workshops, Consultation Meetings and Other Similar Activities by
DOH Instrumentalities
6. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0236 - Immunization, Breastfeeding/Infant and Young
Child Feeding Practice and Vitamin A Supplementation in Evacuation Centers
7. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0183 - Requirements for Laboratory Diagnosis of Influenza
A (H1N1)
8. Department Memorandum No. 2009- 0134 - Technical Guidelines, Standards and Other
Instructions for Reference in the Pandemic Response to Influenza A (H1N1) - Interim Guidelines No.
10
9. Department Memorandum No. 2009- 0133 - Technical Guidelines, Standards and Other
Instructions for Reference in the Pandemic Response to Influenza A (H1N1) - Interim Guidelines No.
7, 8 & 9
10. Department Memorandum No. 2009- 0132 - Technical Guidelines, Standards and Other
Instructions for Reference in the Pandemic Response to Influenza A (H1N1) Interim Guidelines No. 5
&6
11. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0118 - Technical Guidelines, Standards and Other
Instructions for Reference in the Pandemic Response to Influenza A (H1N1)
12. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0113 - Technical Guidelines, Standards and Other
Instructions for Reference in the Pandemic Response to Influenza A (H1N1)
13. Department Memorandum No. 2009-0107 - Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of
Muslim Workers including but not Limited to Students and Trainees in Health Facilities
14. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0266 - Information Technology (IT) Requirements for the
Integrated Drug Test Operation and Management Information System (IDTOMIS)
15. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0253 - Reiterating the Posting of Schedule of Fees for
Laboratory and Other Diagnostic Services of Hospitals and Other Regulated Facilities as a Mandatory
Requirement for Licensing or Accreditation
16. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0240 - Request for Change of Drug Test Result
17. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0210 - GAMCA Referral Decking System
 18. Deparment Memorandum No. 2008-0163- Moratorium on the Accreditation of New Freestanding
Drug Testing Laboratories
19. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0111 - Standards and Technical Requirements for the
Licensure and Regulation of Ambulatory Surgical Clinics Providing Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery
20. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0087 - Prohibiting Student Affiliates in Hospitals to Take
Pictures and Videos of Patients
21. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0062 - Reiterating Support to Expand Private Midwives'
Functions for Maternal and Child Health
22. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0020 - Reiterating the Provision of Newborn Screening
Services as a Mandatory Licensing Requirement for All Hospitals
23. Department Memorandum No. 2008-0010 - Submission of Interior and Exterior Pictures of the
Drug Testing Laboratory for Initial and Renewal Applications for Accreditation.
24. Department Memorandum No. 2007-0099 - Permits Issued by Other National Government
Agencies and by Local Government Units

Executive Order

• Executive Order No. 288 Providing for the Implementing Details for Reorganization Plans Nos. 12-
A, 13-A and 14-A relative to Health
• Executive Order No. 663
Implementing the the National Commitment for "Bakuna ang Una Sa Sanggol At Ina", Attaining
World Health Organization's goals to Eliminate Measles and Neonatal Tetanus, Eradicate Polio,
Control Hepatitis B and Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
• Executive Order No. 637
Providing the Basis for the Computation of the Incentive Benefits of Personnel who may be Affected
by the Implementation of the Rationalization Program under Executive Order No. 366s. 2004
• Executive Order No. 611
Authorizing Compensation Adjustments to Government Personnel
• Executive Order No. 567
Devolving the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital from the Department of Health to the City of Taguig
• Executive Order No. 452
Directing the Enrollment of 2.5 Million Indigent Families Pursuant to Executive Order No. 276s. 2004
also known as the Enhanced PCSO Greater Medicare Access Program and for other Purposes
• Executive Order No. 441
Delegating to the Secretary of Department Health (DOH) the Power to Exercise Oversight Function
over the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)
• Executive Order No. 442
Designating the Philippine International Trading Corporation as the Lead Coordinating Agency to
Make Quality Medicines Available, Affordable and Accessible to the greater masses of Filipinos
• Executive Order No. 437
Encouraging the implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) for persons with
disabilities in the Philippines
• Executive Order No. 417
Directing the implementation of the Economic Independence Program for Person with Disabilities
• Executive Order No. 392
Amending Executive Order No. 182 dated February 14, 2003, Entitled " Transferring the Medicare
Functions of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to the Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation
• Executive Order No. 102
Redirecting the Functions and Operations of the Department of Health.
• Executive Order No. 51
Adopting a National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Supplements and related products, penalizing
violations thereof, and for other purposes.
• Executive Order No. 247
Prescribing Guidelines and Establishing a Regulatory Framework for the Prospecting of Biological
ang Genetic Resources, their By-Products and Derivatives, for Scientific and Commercial Purposes;
and for other Purposes
 • Executive Order No. 455
Transferring the Supervision and Control of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes from the
Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Department of Health, and for other
Purposes

• Executive Order No. 472

Transferring the National Nutrition Council from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of
Health

Presidential Decree
PROCLAMATION NO. 1168: DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY
YEAR AS MALARIA AWARENESS MONTH
PROCLAMATION NO. 1168
November 10, 2006

DECLARING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS MALARIA AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS, Malaria is the 8th leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines, affecting most Filipinos of
productive age group, and vulnerable groups which includes pregnant women, children and indigenous
population groups, and continue to be a major impediment to human and economic development in area
where it persists;

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Presidential Decrees and Other Proclamations

• Presidential Proclamation No. 1168

November 10, 2006
Declaring the Month of November of Every Year as Malaria Awareness Month
• Presidential Decree 480
June 6, 1974
Creating a Radiation Health Office in the Department of Health
• Presidential Decree 881
January 30, 1976
Empowering the Secretary of Health to regulate the labeling, sale and distribution of hazardous
substances
• Presidential Decree No. 856
Code on Sanitation of the Philippines
(with Implementing Rules and Regulations)
• Presidential Decree No. 522
Prescribing Sanitation Requirements for the Operation of Establishments and Facilities for the
Protection and Convenience of the Travelling Public
• Presidential Decree No. 651
Requiring the Registration of Births and Deaths in the Philippines which occured from January 1,
1974 and thereafter
• Presidential Decree No. 996
Providing for Compulsory Basic Immunization for Infants and children below eight years of age
• Presidential Decree No. 498
Amending sections two, three, four, seven, eight, eleven, thirteen, sixteen, seventeen, twenty-one
and twenty-nine of Republic Act No. 5527, also known as the Philippine Medical Technology Act of
1969
• Presidential Decree No. 965
A Decree Requiring Applicant for Marriage License to Receive Instructions on Family Planning and
Responsible Parenthood
• Presidential Decree No. 1631
Creating the Lunsod ng Kabataan
 • Presidential Decree No. 1823
Creating the Lung Center of the Philippines
• Presidential Decree No. 384
Amending Republic Act Numbered 4073, entitled an An Act Further LIberalizing the Treatment of
Leprosy by Amending and Repealing certain Sections of the REvised Administrative Code
• Presidential Decree No. 1832
Creating National Kidney Foundation of the Philippines
• Presidential Decree No. 893
Reconstituting the National Schistosomiasis Control Commission into the Schistosomiasis Control
Council and for other
Purposes
• Presidential Decree No. 79
Revising the Population Act of Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-one

Health Programs
- Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Program
- Botika Ng Barangay
- Breastfeeding Program / Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
- Blood Donation Program
- Cancer Control Program
- Child Health
- Diabetes Mellitus Prevention Program
- Dengue Control Program
- Dental Health Program
- Doctors to the Barrios (DttB) Program
- Emerging Disease Control Program
- Environmental Health
- Expanded Program on Immunization
- Family Planning
- Food and Waterborne Diseases Prevention and Control Program
- Food Fortification Program
- FOURmula One
- Garantisadong Pambata
- GMA 50 / Parallel Drug Importation (PDI)
- Human Resource Health Network
- Healthy Lifestyle Program
- Health Sector Development Program
- Knock-Out Tigdas
- Leprosy Control Program
- Malaria Control Program
- Measles Elimination Campaign (Ligtas Tigdas)
- National Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control Program
- National Filariasis Elimination Program
- National Mental Health Program
- Natural Family Planning
- Newborn Screening
- Nutrition
- Occupational Health Program
- Health Development Program for Older Persons (Elderly Health)
- Pinoy MD
- Persons with Disabilities Program
- Pnuemonia and Other Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI's)
- Prevention of Blindness Program
- Rabies Control Program
- Safe Motherhood and Women's Health
- Schistosomiasis Control Program
- Smoking Cessation Program
- Soil Transmitted Helmenthiasis
- TB Control Program
Adolescent and Youth Health and Development Program (AYHDP)
In line with the global policy changes on adolescents and youth, the DOH created the Adolescent and Youth
Health and Development Program (AYHDP) which is lodged at the National Center for Disease Prevention
and Control (NCDPC) specifically the Center for Family and Environmental Health (CFEH). The program is an
expanded version of Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) element of Reproductive Health which aims to
integrate adolescent and youth health services into the health delivery systems.

The DOH, with the participation of other line agencies, partners from the medical discipline, NGOs and donor
agencies have developed a policy on adolescent and youth health as well as complementary guidelines and
service protocol to ensure young peoples’ health needs are given attention.

The Program shall mainly focus on addressing the following health concerns regardless of their sex, race and
socioeconomic background:

* Growth and Development concerns Nutrition Physical, mental and emotional status
* Reproductive Health Sexuality Reproductive Tract Infection (STD, HIV/AIDS) Responsible Parenthood
Maternal & Child Health

* Communicable Diseases Diarrhea, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, Measles, Malaria, etc.

* Mental Health Substance use and abuse

* Intentional / non-intentional injuries Disability

Other issues and concerns such as vocational, education, social and employment needs where the DOH has
no direct mandate nor control, shall be coordinated closely with other concerned line agencies, and NGOs.

Vision:

Well-informed, empowered, responsible and healthy adolescents and youth.

Mission:

Ensure that all adolescent and youth have access to quality health care services in an adolescent and youth
friendly environment.
Goal:

The total health, well being and self esteem of young people are promoted.

Objectives:

By the year 2004:

Health Status Objectives:

* reduce the mortality rate among adolescents and youth

Risk Reduction Objectives:

* reduce the proportion of teenage girls (15-19 years old) who began child bearing to 3.5 % (baseline-7%
in 1998 NDHS)

* increase the health care – seeking behavior of adolescents to 50% (baseline: still to be established)

* increase the knowledge and awareness level of adolescent on fertility, sexuality and sexual health to 80%
(baseline: still to be established)

* increase the knowledge and awareness level of adolescents on accident and injury prevention to 50%
(baseline: still to be established) Services and Protection Objectives:

* increase the percentage of health facilities providing basic health services including counseling for
adolescents and youth to 70%. (baseline- still to be established)
* establish specialized services for occupational illnesses, victims of rape and violence, substance abuse in
50% of DOH hospitals

* integrate gender-sensitivity training and reproductive health in the secondary school curriculum.

* Establish resource centers or one stop shop for adolescents and youth in each province.

Guiding Principles:

1. Involvement of the youth

The AYHDP shall involve the young people in the design, planning implementation, monitoring and
evaluation of activities and program to ensure that it is acceptable, appealing and relevant to them. In so
doing, they become part of the solution rather than the problem. Further, it:

(1) favors the acquisition of valuable skills including interpersonal skills,

(2) gives young people self confidence,

(3) promotes individual self esteem and competence, and

(4) contributes to a sense of belonging.

2. Rights Based Approach

In all aspects of program implementation, the promotion of young peoples’ rights shall be applied. This is to
ensure protection of adolescent and youth against neglect, abuse and exploitation and guaranteeing to them
their basic human rights including survival, development and full participation in social, cultural, educational
and other endeavors necessary for their individual growth and well being.

3. Diversity of adolescents needs and problems

The program shall recognize the diverse characteristic and needs of adolescents in different situations. Their
concerns and perception vary by demographic and socio-economic characteristics, sex and circumstances.
But even how diverse the problems are, oftentimes they have common roots, its underlying causes are
closely connected and the solutions are similar and interrelated. They are addressed most effectively by a
combination of intervention that promote healthy development.

4. Gender & health perspective

A gender perspective shall be adopted in all processes of policy formulation, implementation and in the
delivery of services, especially sexual and reproductive health. This perspective will act upon inequalities
that arise from belonging to one sex or the other, or from the unequal power relation between sexes.
Adolescents have distinct and complex gender differences in behavior patterns, socialization process and
expected roles in family, community and society. A gender gap exist in terms of opportunities in education
and employment and access to health services. Girls are often victims of traditional, discriminatory and
harmful practices, including sexual abuse and exploitation. Besides, their individual development needs are
also neglected because of the persistent and stereotypical roles that they are expected to perform. On the
other hand, young boys can be particularly vulnerable, such as those in situations in armed conflict or crises.
Adults often perpetuate traditional gender roles that trap young people in high – risk behavior. They can
therefore play a major role in helping them change their attitudes and prevent exploitation of adolescents.

Program Strategies:

The DOH shall adopt a two pronged inextricably linked and overarching strategies:

* To Promote healthy development among young adults by building their life coping skills; promoting
positive values and by creating a safe and supportive environment for their growth and development;
* To prevent and respond to adolescent health problems through provision of adequate, accurate and timely
information about their health, rights and other issues and through the availability of integrated, quality and
gender sensitive adolescent health services that will bring about positive behavior and healthy lifestyle.

1. Service provision The program shall ensure the access and provision of quality gender responsive
biomedical and psychosocial services. Eventually, these will contribute to the reduction of maternal, infant,
child and young peoples’ morbidity and mortality, ensure the quality of life of the families and communities;
and promote total health and well being of Filipino adolescents and youth.

2. Education and Information

Early education and information sharing for adolescents and service information providers: the parents,
teachers, communities, church, health staff, media and NGOs on adolescent health concerns and an
intensified and responsive counseling services geared towards adolescent health shall be done. This aims to
increase knowledge and understanding of a particular health issue, and with the explicit intention of
motivating the young people to adopt healthy behavior and to prevent health hazards such as unwanted
pregnancies, STDs, substance use / abuse, violent behavior and nutritional deficiencies.

3. Building skills

Adolescents and youth shall have life skills training to enable them to deal effectively with the demands and
challenges of everyday life. It refers to skills that enhance psychosocial development, decision making and
problem solving; creative and critical thinking; communication and interpersonal relations , self awareness,
coping with emotions and causes of stress. Examples of these skills are:

* Self care skills eg. how to plan and prepare healthy meals or ensure good personal hygiene and
appearance. * Livelihood skills eg. how to obtain and keep work.

* Skills for dealing with specific risky situations eg. how to say no when under peer pressure to use drug.
Further, life skills shall be integrated in the training module for health workers as well as in the school
curricula. On the other hand, service providers, parents and teachers shall also be equipped with
competencies to influence behavior of adolescents and promote healthy development and prevent health
problems.

4. Promoting a safe and supportive environment

A safe and supportive environment is part of what motivates young people to make healthy decisions. It
refers to an environment that:

(1) nurtures and guides young people towards healthy development;

(2) provides the least trauma, excessive stress, violence and abuse;

(3) provides a positive close relationship with family, other adults and peers;

(4) provides specific support in making individual responsible behavior choices. While intervention should
now focus on the action that will facilitate growth and development and encourage adolescents and youth to
practice healthy behavior, the following major aspects of social environment have to be considered:

1. Relationship with families, service providers and significant others.

Adults contribute to a supportive climate for behavioral choices through positive relationship. They can
substantially enrich the lives of young people through their fundamental role as parents and care-givers

2. Social norms and cultural practices

This involve what people typically do in all areas of life and peoples expectation of others. These forces
usually shape the lives of young people thus it is important to take note of the attitudes and practices that
are harmful to them. Attitudes and norms concerning (a)early marriage, (b)sexual behavior among young
people, (c)access to information about sexuality may need to be addressed.
3. Mass Media and entertainment

The media is a very important component in influencing social norms that encourage adolescent to make
responsible health behavior choices. It also provides great potential to communicate and mobilize
community support on adolescent health issues.

4. Policies and legislation

Promoting policies and legislation for adolescent health can ensure young people have the opportunities and
services they need to promote and protect their own health.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

This is to ensure the smooth implementation of the program. Regular monitoring and evaluation will be
conducted to identify the status, issues, gaps and recommendations. A scheme shall be developed which will
include indicators, monitoring tools and checklist. Monitoring will be through conduct of field visits,
consultative meeting and program implementation review.

6. Resource mobilization

The Department of Health have prepared a 10 year work plan for AYHDP. The budgetary requirements will
be sourced out from national and international donor agencies. Advocacy with LGUs, other GOs and NGOs
shall be conducted on sharing of existing resources where AYHDP will be integrated.

Botika Ng Barangay (BnB)

Botika ng Barangay Profile: currently being updated.

The Botika ng Barangay (BnB) refers to a drug outlet managed by a legitimate community organization
(CO/non-government organization (NGO) and/or the Local Government Unit (LGU), with a trained operator
and a supervising pharmacist specifically established in accordance with Administrative Order No. 144
s.2004. The BnB outlet should be initially identified, evaluated and selected by the concerned Center for
Health Development (CHD), approved by the National Drug Policy-Pharmaceutical Management Unit (NDP-
PMU 50), and specifically licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to sell, distribute, offer for sale
and/or make available low-priced generic home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and two (2)
selected, publicly-known prescription antibiotic drugs (i.e. Amoxicillin and Cotrimoxazole).

The BnB program aims to promote equity in health by ensuring the availability and accessibility of
affordable, safe and effective, quality, essential drugs to all, with priority for marginalized, underserved,
critical and hard to reach areas.

Files and Links:

• Botika ng Barangay Initiative (Admin. Order No. 144 s.2004)

- Guidelines in Establishing and Operationalization of the Botika ng Barangay
• Botika ng Barangay Monitoring System
- Performance and Monitoring Reports and Schedule of Submissions
Promotion of Breastfeeding program / Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI)
Realizing optimal maternal and child health nutrition is the ultimate concern of the Promotion of
Breastfeeding Program. Thus, exclusive breastfeeding in the first four (4) to six (6) months after birth is
encouraged as well as enforcement of legal mandates.

The Mother and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) is the main strategy to transform all hospitals with
maternity and newborn services into facilities which fully protect, promote and support breastfeeding and
rooming-in practices. The legal mandate to this initiative are the RA 7600 (The Rooming-In and
Breastfeeding Act of 1992) and the Executive Order 51 of 1986 (The Milk Code). National assistance
in terms of financial support for this strategy ended year 2000, thus LGUs were advocated to promote and
sustain this initiative. To sustain this initiative, the field health personnel has to provide antenatal assistance
and breastfeeding counseling to pregnant and lactating mothers as well as to the breastfeeding support
groups in the community; there should also be continuous orientation and re-orientation/ updates to newly
hired and old personnel, respectively, in support of this initiative.

Philippine Cancer Control Program

The Philippine Cancer Control Program, begun in 1988, is an integrated approach utilizing primary,
secondary and tertiary prevention in different regions of the country at both hospital and community levels.
Six lead cancers (lung, breast, liver, cervix, oral cavity, colon and rectum) are discussed. Features peculiar
to the Philippines are described; and their causation and prevention are discussed. A recent assessment
revealed shortcomings in the Cancer Control Program and urgent recommendations were made to reverse
the anticipated ‘cancer epidemic’. There is also today in place a Community-based Cancer Care Network
which seeks to develop a network of self-sufficient communities sharing responsibility for cancer care and
control in the country.

Child Health and Development Strategic Plan Year 2001-2004

Introduction

The Philippine National Strategic Framework for lan Development for CHildren or CHILD 21 is a strategic
framework for planning programs and interventions that promote and safegurad the rights of Filipino
children. Covering the period 2000-2005, it paints in borad strokes a vision for the quality of life of Filipino
children in 2025 and a roadmap to achieve the vision.

Children's Health 2025, a subdocument of CHILD 21, realizes that health is a critical and fundamental
element in children's welfare. However, health programs cannot be implemented in isolation from the other
component that determine the safety and well being of children in society. Children's Health 2025, therefore,
should be able to integrate the strategies and interventions into the overall plan for children's development.

Children's Health 2025 contains both mid-term strategies, which is targeted towards the year 2004, while
long-term strategies are targeted by the year 2025. It utilizes a life cycle approach and weaves in the rights
of children. The life cycle approach ensures that the issues, needs and gaps are addressed at the different
stages of the child's growth and development.

The period year 2002 to 2004 will put emphasis on timely diagnosis and management of common diseases
of childhood as well as disease prevention and health promotion, particularly in the fields of immunization,
nutrition and the acquisisiton of health lifestyles. Also critical for effective pallning and implementation would
be addressing the components of the health infrastructure such as human resource development, quality
assurance, monitoring and disease surveillance, and health information and education.

The successful implementation of these strategies will require collaborative efforts with the other
stakeholdres and also implies integration with the other developmental plan of action for children.

VISION

A healthy Filipino child is:

* Wanted, planned and conceived by healthy parents

* Carried to term by healthy mother
* Born into a loving, caring. stable family capable of providing for his or her basic needs
* Delivered safely by a trained attendant
* Screened for congenital defects shortly after birth; if defects are found, interventions to corrrect these
defects are implemented at the appropriate time
* Exclusively breastfed for at least six months of age, and continued breasfeeding up to two years
* Introduced to compementary foods at about six months of age, and gradually to a balanced, nutritious
diet
* Protected from the consequences of protein-calorie and micronutirent deficiencies through good nutrition
and access to fortified foods and iodized salt
* Provided with safe, clean and hygienic surroundings and protected from accidents
* Properly cared for at home when sick and brought timely to a health facility for appropriate management
when needed.
* Offered equal access to good quality curative, preventive and promotive health care services and health
education as members of the Filipino society
* Regularly monitored for proper growth and development, and provided with adequate psychosocial and
mental stimulation
* Screened for disabilities and developmental delays in early childhood; if disabilities are found,
interventions are implemented to enabled the child to enjoy a life of dignity at the highest level of function
attainable
* Protected from discrimination, explitation and abuse
* Empowered and enabled to make decisions regarding healthy lifestyle and behaviors and included in the
formulation health policies and programs
* Afforded the opportunity to reach his or her full potential as adult

Current Situation

Deaths among children have significantly decreased from previous years. In the 1998 NDHS, the infant
mortality rate was 35 per 1000 livebirths, while neonatal death rate was 18 deaths per 1000 livebirths.
Among regions IMR is highest in Eastern Visayas and lowest in Metro Manila and Central Visayas. Death is
much higher among infants whose mothers had no antenatal care or medical assistance at the time of
delivery. Top causes of illness among infants are infectious diseases (pneumonia, measles, diarrhea,
meningitis, septicemia), nutritional deficiencies and birth-realted complications.

The probability of dying between birth and five years of age is 48 deaths per 1000 livebirths. The top five
leading causes of deaths (which make up about 70%) of deaths in this age group) are pneumonia, diarrhea,
measles, meningities and malnutrition. About 6% die of accidents i.e. submersion, foreign bodies, and
vehicular accidents.

THe decline in mortality rates may be attributed partly to the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI),
aimed to reduce infant and child mortality due to seven immunizable diseases (tuberculosis, diptheria,
tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelities, Hepatitis B and measles).

The Philippines has been declared as polio-free druing the Kyoto Meeting on Poliomyelities Eradication in the
Western Pacific Region last October 2000. This. however, is not a reason to be complacent. The risk of
importing the poliovirus from neighboring countries remains high until global certification of polio
eradication. There is an urrgent need for sustained vigilance, which includes strengthening the surveillance
system, the capacity for rapid response to importation of wild poliovirus, adequate laboratory containment
of wild poliovirus materials, and maintaining high routine immunization until global certification has been
achieved.

Malnutrition is common among children. The 1998 FNRI survey show that three to four out of ten children 0-
10 years old are underweight and stunted. The prevalence of low vitamin A serum levels and vitamin A
deficiency even increased in 1998 compared to 1996 levels as reported by FNRI. Vitamin A supplementation
coverage reached to more than 90%, however, a downward trend was evident in the succeeding years from
as high as 97% in 1993 to 78% in 1997.

Breastfeeding rate is 88% (NSO 2000 MCH Survey), with percentage higher in rural areas (92%) than in
urban areas (84%). Exclusive breastfeeding increased from 13.2% to 20% among children 4-5 mos of age
(NDHS).

Several strategies were utilized to omprove child health. THe Integrated Management of Childhood Illness
aims at reducing morbidity and deaths due to common chldhood illness. The IMCI strategy has been
adopted nationwide and the process of integration into the medical, nursing, and midwifery curriculum is
now underway.
The Enhanced Child Growth strategy is a community-based intervention that aims to improve the health and
nutritional status of children through improved caring and seeking behaviors. It operates through health and
nutrition posts established throughout the country.

Gaps and Challenges

Many Local Health Units were not adequately informed about the Framework for Children's Health as well as
the policies. There is a need to disseminate the two documents, CHILD 21 and Children's Health 2025 to
serve as the template for local planning for childrens health. There is also the need to update and reiterate
the policies on children's health particularly on immunization, micronutrient supplementation and IMCI.

LGUs experienced problems in the availability of vaccines and essential drugs and micronutrients due to
weakness in the procurement, allocation and distribution.

Pockets of low immunization coverage is attributed largely to the irregular supply of vaccines due to
inadequate funds. Moreover, there is a need to revitalize the promotion of immunization.

Goal

The ultimate goal of Children's Health 2025 is to achieve good health for all Filipino children by the year
2025.

Medium-term Objectives for year 2001-2004

Health Status Objectives

1. Reduce infant mortality rate to 17 deaths per 1,000 live births

2. Reduce mortality rate among children 1-4 years old to 33.6% per 1000 livebirths
3. Reduce the mortality rate among adolescents and youths by 50%

Risk Reduction Objectives

1. Increse the percentage of fully immunized children to 90%

2. Increase the percentage of infants exclusively breastfed up to six months to 30%
3. Increase the percentage of infants given timely and proper complementary feeding at six months to 70%
4. Increase the percentage of mothers and caregivers who know and practice home management of
childhood illness to 80%
5. Reduce the prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition among school-age children
6. Increase the health care-seeking behavior of adolescents to 50%

Services and Protection Objectives

1. Ensure 90% of infants and children are provided with essential health care package
2. Increase the percentage of health facilities with available stocks of vaccines and esential drugs and
micronutrients to 80%
3. Increase the percentage of schools implementing school-based health and nutrition programs to 80%
4. Increase the percentage of health facilities providing basic health services including counseling for
adolescents and youth to 70%

Strategies and Activities

* Enhance capacity and capability of health facilities in the early recognition, management and prevention of
common childhood illness

This will entail improvements in the flow of services in the implementing faciities to ensure that every child
receive the essential services for survival, growth and development in an organized and efficient manner.
Facilities should be equipped with the essential instruments, equipment and supplies to provide the services.
Health providers shall have the knowledge and skills to be able to provide quality services for children.
Existing child health policies, guidelines and standards shall be reviewed and updated, and new ones
formulated and disseminated to guide health providers in the standard of care.
* Strengthening community-based support systems and interventions for children's health

Notable community-based projects and interventions, such as the health and nutrition posts, mother support
groups, community financing schemes shall be replicated for nationwide implementation. Model building and
dissemination of best practices from pilot sites has proven effective in generating support and adoption in
other sites. More of these shall be initiated particularly for developing interventions to increase care-seeking
and prevention of malnutrition in children.

* Fostering linkages with advocacy groups and professional organizations and to promote children's health

Collaboration with the nongovernment sector and professional groups shall

* Conduct national campaigns on children's health

* Conduct and support national campaigns for children
* Initieate and support legislations and researches on children's health and welfare
* Development of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system for child health programs and projects

Diabetes
Do you suspect you have diabetes?

Do you have to urinate three to four times at bedtime?

Do you feel unusual thirst?

Do you get tired easily?

Did you have a rapid loss of weight?

If you do, you may be suffering from Diabetes. Don’t waste time. Consult your doctor immediately.
What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels associated
with long term damage and failure or organ functions, especially the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, the
heart and blood vessels.
How does one become a diabetic?

Diabetes occurs when insulin is not adequately produced by the pancreas. It also happens when the body
cannot properly use insulin.
Insulin is a hormone necessary for the proper utilization of sugar by muscles, fat and liver.

What are the complications of diabetes?

In diabetics, blood sugar reaches a dangerously high level which leads to complications.

• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Stroke
• Heart Attack
• Wounds that would not heal
• Impotence

What are the types of diabetes?

Type 1 – Insulin dependent diabetes

Develops during childhood or adolescence and affects about 10% of all diabetic patients. Sufferers require a
lifetime of insulin injection for survival since their pancreas cannot produce insulin.

Type 2 – Non-insulin dependent diabetes

How will you know if you are a diabetic?

If you urinate frequently, experience excessive thirst and unexplained weight loss.
If your casual blood sugar (plasma glucose) level is higher than 200mg/dl.
If you have fasting plasma glucose level of not more than 126mg/dl.

If you have any these symptoms, especially if you are overweight or hypertensive, you should see your
doctor right away for proper guidance and treatment.
Who are at risk of diabetes?

children of diabetics
obese people
people with hypertension
people with high cholesterol levels
people with sedentary lifestyles
What can you do to control your blood sugar?

1. Diet Therapy

Avoid simple sugars like cakes and chocolates. Instead have complex carbohydrated like rice, pasta, cereals
and fresh fruits.
Do not skip or delay meals. It causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables.
Cut down on salt.
Avoid alcohol. Dietary guidelines recommend no more than two drinks for men and no more than one drink
per day for women.

2. Exercise
Regular exercise is an important part of diabetes control.

Daily exercise . . .
Improves cardiovascular fitness
Helps insulin to work better and lower blood sugar
Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels

Reduces body fat and controls body weight Exercise at least 3 time a week for ate least 30 minutes each
session. Always carry quick sugar sources like candy or softdrink to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
during and after exercise.

3. Control your weight

If you are overweight or obese, start weight reduction by diet and exercise. This improves your
cardiovascular risk profile.

It lowers your blood sugar

It improves your lipid profile
It improves your blood pressure control

4. Quit smoking.
Smoking is harmful to your health. 5. Maintain a normal blood pressure.
Since having hypertension puts a person at high risk of cardiovascular disease, especially if it is associated
with diabetes, reliable BP monitoring and control is recommended. See your doctor for advice and
management.
If there is no improvement in blood sugar what advice can I expect my doctor to give?

There are drug therapies using oral hypoglycemic agents. Your doctor can prescribe one or two agent,
depending on which is appropriate for you.

1. Sulfonylurea – Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Glipizide, Glimepiride, Repaglinide

2. Biguanide – Metformin
3. Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors – Acarbose
4. Thiazolidindione – Troglitazone, Rosiglitazone, Proglitazone. Remember

If you have the classic symptoms of diabetes:

See your doctor for blood sugar testing

Start dieting

• eat plenty of vegetables

• avoid sweets such as chocolates and cakes
• cut down on fatty foods

Exercise regularly
If you are obese, try to lose some weight
Avoid alcohol drinking and stop smoking
If you are hypertensive, consult your doctor for advice and management

Dengue Control Program

One of the major health problems during rainy season is the incidence of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. It
occurs in all age groups. This disease (transmitted by Aedes, a day-biting mosquito) is preventable but is
prevalent in urban centers where population density is high, water supply is inadequate (resulting to water
storage and a good breeding place for the vector), and solid waste collection and storing are also
inadequate.

The thrust of the Dengue Control Program is directed towards community-based prevention and control in
endemic areas.

Major strategy is advocacy and promotion, particularly the Four O’clock Habit which was adopted by most
LGUs. This is a nationwide, continuous and concerted effort to eliminate the breeding places of Aedes
aegypti. Other initiatives are the dissemination of IEC materials and tri-media coverage.

Dental Health Program

ComprehensiveDental Health Program aims to improve the quality of life of the people through the
attainment of the highest possible oral health. Its objective is to prevent and control dental diseases and
conditions like dental caries and periodontal diseases thus reducing their prevalence.

Targeted priorities are vulnerable groups such as the 5-12 year old children and pregnant women.
Strategies of the program include social mobilization through advocacy meetings, partnership with GOs and
NGOs, orientation/updates and monitoring adherence to standards.

To attain orally fit children, the program focuses on the following package of activities: oral examination and
prophylaxis; sodium fluoride mouth rinsing; supervised tooth brushing drill; pit and fissure sealant
application; a-traumatic restorative treatment and IEC. The Program also integrates its activities with the
Maternal and Child Health Program, the Nutrition Program and theGarantisadong Pambata activities of
the WHSMP.

Environmental Health
Environmental Health is concerned with preventing illness through managing the environment and by
changing people's behavior to reduce exposure to biological and non-biological agents of disease and injury.
It is concerned primarily with effects of the environment to the health of the people.

Program strategies and activities are focused on environmental sanitation, environmental health impact
assessment and occupational health through inter-agency collaboration. An Inter-Agency COmmittee on
Environmental Health was created by virute of E.O. 489 to facilitate and improve coordination among
concerned agencies. It provides the venue for technical collaboration, effective monitoring and
communication, resource mobilization, policy review and development. The Committee has five sectoral
task forces on water, solid waste, air, toxic and chemical substances and occupational health.

Vision:

Health Settings for All Filipinos

Mission:
Provide leadership in ensuring health settings

Goals:

Reduction of environmental and occupational related diseases, disabilities and deaths through health
promotion and mitigation of hazards and risks in the environment and worksplaces.

Strategic Objectives:

1. Development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, standards, programs and parameters for specific
healthy settings.

2. Provision of technical assistance to implementers and other relevant partners

3. Strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration and broad based mass participation for the promotion and
attainment of healthy settings

Key Result Areas:

• Appropriate development and regular evaluation of relevant programs, projects, policies and plans
on environmental and occupational health
• Timely provision of technical assistance to Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and other
partners
• Development of responsive/relevant legislative and research agenda on DPC
• Timely provision of technical inputs to curriculum development and conduct of human resource
development
• Timely provision of technically sound advice to the Secretary and other stakeholders
• Timely and adequate provision of strategic logistics

Components:

• Inter- agency Committee on Environmental Health

• IACEH Task Force on Water
• IACEH Task Force on Solid Waste
• IACEH Task Force on Toxic Chemicals
• IACEH Task Force on Occupational Health
• Environmental Sanitation
• Environmental Health Impact Assessment
• Occupational Health

Expanded Program on Immunization

Children need not die young if they receive complete and timely immunization. Children who are not fully
immunized are more susceptible to common childhood diseases. The Expanded Program on
Immunization is one of the DOH Programs that has already been institutionalized and adopted by all LGUs
in the region. Its objective is to reduce infant mortality and morbidity through decreasing the prevalence of
six (6) immunizable diseases (TB, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles)

Special campaigns have been undertaken to improve further program implementation, notably the National
Immunization Days (NID), Knock Out Polio (KOP) and Garantisadong Pambata (GP) since 1993 to
2000. This is being supported by increasing/sustaining the routine immunization and improved surveillance
system.

Family Planning
Brief Description of Program
A national mandated priority public health program to attain the country's national health development: a
health intervention program and an important tool for the improvement of the health and welfare of
mothers, children and other members of the family. It also provides information and services for the couples
of reproductive age to plan their family according to their beliefs and circumstances through legally and
medically acceptable family planning methods.

The program is anchored on the following basic principles.

* Responsible Parenthood which means that each family has the right and duty to determine the desired
number of children they might have and when they might have them. And beyond responsible parenthood is
Responsible Parenting which is the proper ubringing and education of chidren so that they grow up to be
upright, productive and civic-minded citizens.
* Respect for Life. The 1987 Constitution states that the government protects the sanctity of life. Abortion is
NOT a FP method:
* Birth Spacing refers to interval between pregnancies (which is ideally 3 years). It enables women to
recover their health improves women's potential to be more productive and to realize their personal
aspirations and allows more time to care for children and spouse/husband, and;
* Informed Choice that is upholding and ensuring the rights of couples to determin the number and spacing
of their children according to their life's aspirations and reminding couples that planning size of their families
have a direct bearing on the quality of their children's and their own lives.

E. Intended Audience:

Men and women of reproductive age (15-49) years old) including adolescents

F. Area of Coverage:

Nationwide

G. Mandate:

EO 119 and EO 102

H. Vision:

Empowered men and women living healthy, productive and fulfilling lives and exercising the right to regulate
their own fertility through legally and acceptable family planning services.

I. Mission

The DOH in partnership with LGUs, NGOs, the private sectors and communities ensures the availability of FP
information and services to men and women who need them.

J. Program Goals:

To provide universal access to FP information, education and services whenever and wherever these are
needed.

K. Objectives

General:

To help couples, individuals achieve their desired family size within the context of responsible parenthood
and improve their reproductive health.

Specifically, by the end of 2004:

Reduce
* MMR from 172 deaths 100,000 LB in 1998 to less than 100 deaths/100,000 LB
* IMR from 35.3 deaths/1000 livebirths in 1998 to less than 30 deaths/1000 live births
* TFR from 3.7 children per woman in 1998 to 2.7 chidren per woman

Increase:

* Contraceptive Prevalence Rate from 45.6% in 1998 to 57%

* Proportion of modern FP methods use from 28>2% to 50.5%

L. Key Result Areas

1. Policy, guidelines and plans formulation

2. Standard setting
3. Technical assistance to CHDs/LGUs and other partner agencies
4. Advocacy, social mobilization
5. Information, education and counselling
6. Capability building for trainers of CHDs/LGUs
7. Logistics management
8. Monitoring and evaluation
9. Research and development

M. Strategies

I. Frontline participation of DOH-retained hospitals

II. Family Planning for the urban and rural poor
III. Demand Generation through Community-Based Management Information System
IV. Mainstreaming Natural Family Planning in the public and NGO health facilities
V. Strengthening FP in the regions with high unmet need for FP: CAR, CHD 5, 8, NCR, ARMM
VI. Contraceptive Interdependence Initiative

N. Major Activities

I. Frontline participation of DOH-retained hospitals

* Establishment of FP Itinerant team by each hospital to respond to the unmet needs for permanent FP
methods and to bring the FP services nearer to our urban and rural poor communities
* FP services as part of medical and surgical missions of the hospital
* Provide budget to support operations of the itenerant teams inclduing the drugs and medical supplies
needed for voluntary surgical sterilization (VS) services
* Partnership with LGU hospitals which serve as the VS site

II. Family Planning for the urban and rural poor

* Expanded role of Volunteer Health Workers (VHWs) in FP provision

* Partnership of itenerant team and LGU hospitals
* Provision of FP services

III. Demand Generation through Community-Based Management Information System

* Identification and masterlisting of potential FP clients and users in need of PF services (permanent or
temporary methods)
* Segmentation of potential clients and users as to what method is preferred or used by clients

IV. Mainstreaming Natural Family Planning in the public and NGO health facilities

* Orientation of CHD staff and creation of Regional NFP Management Committee

* Diacon with stakeholders
* Information, Education and counseling activities
* Advocacy and social mobilization efforts
* Production of NFP IEC materials
* Monitoring and evaluation activities
V. Strengthening FP in the regions with high unmet need for FP: CAR, CHD 5, 8, NCR, ARMM

* Field of itinerant teams by retained hospitals to provide VS services nearer to the community
* Installation of COmmunity Based Management Information System
* Provision of augmentation funds for CBMIS activities

VI. Contraceptive Interdependence Initiative

* Expansion of PhilHealth coverage to include health centers providing No Scalpel Vasectomy and FP
Itenerant Teams
* Expansion of Philhealth benefit package to include pills, injectables and IUD
* SOcial Marketing of contraceptives and FP services by the partner NGOs
* National Funding/Subsidy

VIII. Development /Updating of FP CLinical Standards

IX. Formulation of FP related policies/guidelines. E.g. Creation of VS Outreach team by retained hospitals
and its operationalization, GUidelines on the Provision of VS services, etc.

X. Production and reproduction of FP advocacy and IEC materials

XI. Provision of logistics support such as FP commodities and VS drugs and medical supplies

O. Other Partners

1. Funding Agencies

* United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

* United Nations Funds for Population Activities (UNFPA)
* Management Sciences for Health (MSH)
* Engender Health
* The Futures Group

2. NGOs

* Reachout foundation
* DKT
* Philippine Federation for Natual Family Planning (PFNFP)
* John Snow Inc. - Well Family Clinic
* Phlippine Legislators Committee on Population Development (PLPCD)
* Remedios Foundation
* Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP)
* Institute of Maternal and CHild HEalth (IMCH)
* Integrated Maternal and CHild Care Services and Development, Inc.
* Friendly Care Foundation, Inc.
* Institute of Reproductive Health

3. Other GOs

* Commission on Population
* DILG
* DOLE
* LGUs

Food and Waterborne Diseases Prevention and Control Program

Profile:

Food and Waterborne Diseases (FWBDs) are among the most common causes of diarrhea. In the
Philippines, diarrheal diseases for the past 20 years is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality
incidence rate is as high as 1,997 per 100,000 population while mortality rate is 6.7 per 100,000 population.
From 1993 to 2002, FWBDs such as cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and other food poisoning/foodborne
diseases were the most common outbreaks investigated by the Department of Health. Also, outbreaks from
FWBDs can be very passive and catastrophic. Since most of these diseases have no specific treatment
modalities, the best approach to limit economic losses due to FWBDs is prevention through health education
and strict food and water sanitation.

The Food and Waterborne Disease Prevention and Control Program (FWBDPCP) established in 1997 but
became fully operational in year 2000 with the provision of a budget amounting to PHP551,000.00. The
program focuses on cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and other foodborne emerging diseases (e.g.
Paragonimiasis). Other diseases acquired through contaminated food and water not addressesd by other
services fall under the program.

Knock Out Tigdas 2007

“Knock-out Tigdas 2007” is a sequel to the 1998 and 2004 “Ligtas Tigdas” mass measles
immunization campaign. All children 9 months to 48 months old ( born October 1, 2003 –
January 1,2007) should be vaccinated against measles from October 15 - November 15,
2007 , door-to-door. All health centers, barangay health stations, hospitals and other
temporary immunization sites such as basketball court, town plazas and other identified
public places will also offer FREE vaccination services during the campaign period.

Other services to be given include Vitamin A Capsule and deworming tablet.

Knockout Tigdas for the period of the Barangay and SK Elections

Executive Order No. 663
Promotional materials

What is “Knock-out Tigdas (KOT) 2007?

“Knock-out Tigdas 2007” is a sequel to the 1998 and 2004 “Ligtas Tigdas” mass measles immunization
campaigns. This is the second follow-up measles campaign to eliminate measles infection as a public health
problem.

What is the over-all objective of the Knock-out Tigdas?

The Knock-out Tigdas is a strategy to reduce the number or pool of children at risk of getting measles or
being susceptible to measles and achieve 95% measles immunization coverage. Ultimately, the objective of
KOT is to eliminate measles circulation in all communities by 2008.

What does measles elimination mean?

Measles elimination means:

1. Less than one (1) measles case is confirmed measles per one million population.

2. Detects and extracts blood for laboratory confirmation from at least 2 suspect measles cases per 100,000
populations.

3. No secondary transmission of measles. This means that when a measles case occurs, measles is not
transmitted to others.

Who should be vaccinated?

All children between 9 months to 48 months old ( born October 1, 2003 – January 1,2007) should be
vaccinated against measles.

When will it be done?

Immunization among these children will be done on October 15-November 15, 2007.

How will it be done?

Vaccination teams go from door-to-door of every house or every building in search of the targeted children
who needs to be vaccinated with a dose of measles vaccines, Vitamin A capsule and deworming drug.

All health centers, barangay health stations, hospitals and other temporary immunization sites such as
basketball court, town plazas and other identified public places will also offer FREE vaccination services
during the campaign period.

My child has been vaccinated against measles. Is she exempted from this vaccination campaign?

No, she is not. A previously vaccinated child is not exempted from the vaccination campaign because we
cannot be sure if her previous vaccination was 100% effective.

Chances are a vaccinated child is already protected, but no one can really be sure. There is 15% vaccine
failure when the vaccine is given to 9 months old children. We want to be 100% sure of their protection.

What strategy will be used during the campaign?

It is a door-to-door strategy. The team goes from one-household to another in all areas nationwide.

My child had measles previously, is he exempted in this campaign?

There are many measles-like diseases. We cannot be sure exactly what the child had, especially if the illness
occurred years ago. Anyway, the vaccination will not harm a child who already had measles. The effect will
also be like a booster vaccination. The previously received measles immunization has formed antibodies,
with the booster shot it will strengthened the said antibodies.

Is there any overdose, if my child receives this booster immunization?

Antibodies in the blood which provide protection against disease decrease as the child grows older. Booster
vaccinations are needed to raise protection again. Measles vaccination during the said campaign will be a
booster vaccination for a previously vaccinated child. The child’s waning internal protection will increase. The
child will not harm because there is no vaccine overdose for the measles vaccine. The measles vaccine is
even known to enhance overall immunity against other diseases.

What will happen to my child after receiving the measles immunization?

Normally, the child will have slight fever. The fever is a sign that the child’s vaccine is working and is helping
the body develop antibodies against measles.

The best thing to do when the child has fever is to give him paracetamol every four (4) hours. Give him
plenty of fluids and breastfeed the child. Ensure that the child has enough rest and sleep.

What will happen after the “Knock-out Tigdas 2007”?

To interrupt measles circulation by 2008, ALL children ages 9 months will continue to routinely receive one
dose of the measles vaccine together with the vaccines the other disease of the childhood like polio,
diphtheria, pertussis, etc. All children with fever and rashes have to be listed and tested to verify the cause
of the infection.

ALL 18 months old children will be given a second dose of measles immunization to really ensure that these
children are protected against measles infection.

What other services will be given?

Vitamin A capsule will be given to all children 6 months to 71 month old and deworming tablet to 12 months
to 71 months old nationwide.

Additional messages:

• Once the child is vaccinated, the posterior upper left earlobe will be marked with gentian violet, so
do not try to remove for the purpose of validation.
 • Houses will also be marked, so do not erase.

“I heard that there are cases where the child who was vaccinated who became seriously ill or died. Is this
true?

Measles vaccine is very safe. Minor reactions may occur such as fever but in an already immunizes child,
this may not occur. The most serious and RARE adverse event following immunization is anaphylaxis which
is inherent on the child, not on the vaccines.

Leprosy Control Program

Leprosy Control Program envisions to eliminate Leprosy as a human disease by 2020 and is committed to
eliminate leprosy as a public health problem by attaining a national prevalence rate (PR) of less than 1 per
10,000 population by year 2000. Its elimination goals are: reduce the national PR of <1 case per 10,000
population by year 1998 and reduce the sub-national PR to <1 case per 10,000 population by year 2000.
Kilatis Kutis Campaign.

Program thrust is towards finding hidden cases of leprosy and put them on Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT),
emphasizing the completion of treatment within the WHO prescribed duration.

Strategies are case-finding, treatment, advocacy, rehabilitation, manpower development and evaluation.

Malaria Awareness Month - November 2007

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan parasites called Plasmodium. It is usually
transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria
may also be transmitted through the following:

• Transfusing blood that is positive for malaria parasites

• Sharing of IV needles (especially among IV drug users)
• Transplacenta (transfer of malaria parasites form an infected mother to her unborn child)

Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning
Population/Family Planning Issue

Senate Bill No. 1546: "Reproductive Health Act of 2004"

House Bill No. 16: "Reproductive Health Act of 2004"

The Truth About the P50M CFC Contract with DOH

CFC-DOH Partnership

Letter to the Editor: Philippine Daily Inquirer

» 14402 reads

Family Planning
Brief Description of Program

A national mandated priority public health program to attain the country's national health development: a
health intervention program and an important tool for the improvement of the health and welfare of
mothers, children and other members of the family. It also provides information and services for the couples
of reproductive age to plan their family according to their beliefs and circumstances through legally and
medically acceptable family planning methods.

The program is anchored on the following basic principles.

* Responsible Parenthood which means that each family has the right and duty to determine the desired
number of children they might have and when they might have them. And beyond responsible parenthood is
Responsible Parenting which is the proper ubringing and education of chidren so that they grow up to be
upright, productive and civic-minded citizens.

Newborn Screening
Basic Information about Newborn Screening

What are the disorders included in the Newborn Screening Package?

1. Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)

CH results from lack or absence of thyroid hormone, which is essential to growth of the brain and the body.
If the disorder is not detected and hormone replacement is not initiated within (4) weeks, the baby's
physical growth will be stunted and she/he may suffer from mental retardation.

2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

CAH is an endocrine disorder that causes severe salt lose, dehydration and abnormally high levels of male
sex hormones in both boys and girls. If not detected and treated early, babies may die within 7-14 days.

3. Galactosemia (GAL)

GAL is a condition in which the body is unable to process galactose, the sugar present in milk. Accumulation
of excessive galactose in the body can cause many problems, including liver damage, brain damage and
cataracts.

4. Phenylketonuria (PKU)

PKU is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly use one of the building blocks of protein
called phenylalanine. Excessive accumulation of phenylalanine in the body causes brain damage.

5. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD Def)

G6PD deficiency is a condition where the body lacks the enzyme called G6PD. Babies with this deficiency
may have hemolytic anemia resulting from exposure to certain drugs, foods and chemicals.

What is Newborn Screening?

Newborn Screening (NBS) is a simple procedure to find out if your baby has a congenital metabolic disorder
that may lead to mental retardation and even death if left untreated.

Why is it important to have Newborn Screening?

Most babies with metabolic disorders look normal at birth. One will never know that the baby has the
disorder until the onset of signs and symptoms and more often ill effects are already irreversible.

When is Newborn Screening done?

Newborn screening is ideally done on the 48th hour or at least 24 hours from birth. Some disorders are not
detected if the test is done earlier than 24 hours. The baby must be screened again after 2 weeks for more
accurate results.

How is Newborn Screening done?

Newborn screening is a simple procedure. Using the hell prick method, a few drops are taken from the
baby's heel and blotted on a special absorbent filter card. The blood is dried for 4 hours and sent to the
Newborn Screening Laboratory. (NBS Lab).

Who will collect the sample for Newborn Screening?

A physician, a nurse, a midwife or medical technologist can do the newborn screening.

Where is Newborn Screening Available?

Newborn screening is available in practicing health institutions (hospitals, lying-ins, Rural Health Units and
Health Centers). If babies are delivered at home, babies may be brought to the nearest institution offering
newborn screening.

When is the Newborn Screening results available?

Newborn screening results are available within three weeks after the NBS Lab receives and tests the
samples sent by the institutions. Results are released by NBS Lab to the institutions and are released to
your attending birth attendants or physicians. Parents may seek the results from the institutions where
samples are collected.

A negative screen mean that the result of the test is normal and the baby is not suffering from any of the
disorders being screened.

In case of a positive screen, the NBS nurse coordinator will immediately inform the coordinator of the
institution where the sample was collected for recall of patients for confirmatory testing.

What should be done when a baby has a positive newborn screening result?

Babies with positive results should be referred at once to the nearest hospital or specialist for confirmatory
test and further management. Should there be no specialist in the area, the NBS secretariat office will assist
its attending physician.

Disorder Effect
Effect if SCREENED and treated
Screened SCREENED
CH (Congenital Hypothyroidism) Severe Mental Retardation Normal
CAH (Congenital Adrenal
Death Alilve and Normal
Hyperplasia)
GAL (Galactosemia) Death or Cataracts Alive and Normal
PKU (Phenylketonuria) Severe Mental Retardation Normal
G6PD Deficiency Severe Anemia, Kernicterus Normal

Help us save the 33,000 babies affected annually by any of this disorders.

Nutrition
Vitamin A Supplementation
Policy on Vitamin A Supplementation Program

* The Philippine government is committed to virtually eliminate VAD

* ECCD Law: DOH role is to ensure Vitamin A supplementation
* Administrative Order No. 3-A, s. 2000: Guidelines of Vitamin A and Iron Supplementation
* Therapeutic supplementation: all cases of VAD
* Preventive supplementation:

1. Universal - children 6-59 months

2. Regular/routine - Pregnant and Lactating women, High-risk children

3. Supplementation during emergencies

Vitamin A Supplementation

» 3020 reads
Food Fortifcation
The Food Fortification program is the government's response to the growing micronutrient malnutrition,
which is prevalent in the Philippines for the past several years.

Food Fortification is the addition of Sangkap Pinoyor micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Iron and/or Iodine
to food, whether or not they are normally contained in the food, for the purpose of preventing or correcting
a demonstrated deficiency with one or more nutrients in the population or specific population groups.

Sangkap Pinoy or micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required by the body in very small quantities.
These are essential in maintaining a strong, healthy and active body; sharp mind; and for women to bear
healthy children.

Nutrition surveys since 1993 have been showing increasing prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition,
particularly that of Vitamin A Deficiency Disorder (VADD) and Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among children
and women of reproductive age, who are the most at-risk groups to micronutrient malnutrition.

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Garantisadong Pambata
Garantisadong Pambata (GP) is a campaign to support the various health programs to reduce childhood
illnesses and deaths by promoting positive child care behaviours.

GP is a program of the Department of Health in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and
other government and non-government organizations.