DOH launches drive to control and prevent dengue

INCIDENTS of dengue in the Philippines remain high with 27,071 cases reported as of June 11

AFTER MONTHS of scorching heat, the rainy season has always been a welcome respite for many.

This same season, however, can be a cause for alarm as it brings with it not just cool weather, but also a number of diseases, even life-threatening ones such as dengue.

According to the Department of Health, dengue—a disease initially manifested with fever—is caused by a bite of the Aedes aegypti, a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels and old rubber tires.

When left undetected and untreated, dengue could lead to a number of complications and even death.

Based on the latest figures from the DOH, a total of 27,071 dengue cases were recorded from January to June 11 this year. Of this number, 172 deaths were reported.

The Philippine government is thus drumming up its efforts to fight this deadly disease which to date has no known vaccine or drug that can cure it. In line with this, the DOH is partnering with various groups and organizations to help in its drive to control and prevent dengue.

With the month of June declared as Dengue Awareness month, companies such as SNI Philippines are actively pitching in to help the DOH combat dengue.

Nationwide drive

For its part, SNI Philippines recently kicked off a nationwide anti-dengue campaign to educate the population on how to protect themselves.

Through its information drive dubbed  “May Laban Ka: IgCo Natural Colostrum vs Dengue Caravan,” the company is visiting public schools and barangay centers nationwide.

Primary stops of the IgCo Natural Colostrum vs Dengue Caravan included Pasig, Las Piñas and Parañaque.  It is also hitting Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Tuguegarao, Cebu and Davao.

The company is conducting the drive in partnership with the city mayors and their Association of Barangay Captains; the Red Cross city chapters; the DOH municipal health officers; select public school principals and the SNI Philippines team.

“The most important key to prevent and control diseases such as dengue is empowering our people with correct information so that they can take steps to stop their transmission and limit the harm that they bring through proper hygiene, sanitation and nutrition,” said Elizabeth Seim, SNI Philippines president.

Dr. Joel Jabile, medical consultant of SNI Philippines, meanwhile explained how oral immunoglobulin colostrum (IgCo) could help in managing dengue, particularly for those under recovery.

“Immunoglobulins or antibodies are the  most important components of colostrum. These are proteins produced by the body to combat foreign substances (antigens) such as infectious microbes. New Zealand provides the best bovine colostrum which contains all five classes of immunoglobulins found in human colostrums including IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE and IgD. The most abundant of is IgG,” Dr. Jabile said.

Medical research, the company claimed, has proven that Immunoglobulin colostrum (IgCo) with its nutrient, growth and immune factors can provide nutrition for the patient who is unable to eat well because of lack of appetite, feeling of lethargy and malaise, or vomiting.

Exclusively distributed by SNI Philippines, IgCo can also keep the patient well-hydrated, strengthen the immune system and act as an immunomodulator to suppress the harmful overactive inflammatory processes that can damage rather than protect the body.

Aside from these benefits, SNI Philippines further claimed that IgCo can increase brain serotonin activity through the milk protein lactalbumin to improve mood under stress, induce a better quality of sleep, increase energy level and give a general sense of well-being.