By Joseph B.A. Marzan
Amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the region, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas (DOH-CHD-6) has also geared up to respond to the effects of the oil spill in Bo. Obrero in Lapuz, Iloilo City.
The agency has set up a Quad Cluster Team to address nutrition, hygiene, sanitation and mental health issues that may arise at the evacuation centers.
Medicines, water containers, hygiene kits, Aquatabs, mosquito nets and IEC materials have also been provided to affected individuals.
Mental health issues will be addressed together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Red Cross.
They have advised the public to avoid prolonged contact with the spilled oil to avoid skin reddening, edema and burning, which may worsen when exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
They also warned of upper respiratory tract conditions caused by repeated exposure to fumes.
DOH-CHD-6 Health Emergency Management Services chief Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia said that they are also coordinating with other regional and local government offices.
“We attended meetings with the Philippine Coast Guard in Western Visayas, also with City and [Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices]. We also had video teleconferences led by the Office of Civil Defense. We were able to deploy logistics within 24 hours,” she said.
COVID-19 CONCERNS
Sta. Lucia said that they are also ensuring to observe health standards in addressing COVID-19 concerns alongside the oil spill effects.
With regard to the process for psychosocial issues, Sta. Lucia said that they will be observing COVID-19 precautions.
“We will be observing COVID-19 precautions during the psychosocial processing, and this will be divided into several categories separately between [adults, senior citizens, and children], and barangay officials will undergo that as well. Toys will be donated by the Philippine Red Cross,” Sta. Lucia said.
For family health-related concerns, Sta. Lucia laid out the DOH-CHD-6’s plans.
“For pregnant women, another venue will be created to be protected from COVID-19, and ensured prenatal package. Women with partners that are not pregnant, prepositioning of family planning commodities, informed consent and volunteerism, low-acting reversible method provision, and pregnancy kits should be available. Because during emergencies and disasters, sex is one of the coping mechanisms,” she said.
Concerns on adolescent issues such as abuse and rape will also be addressed with other regional and local agencies.
Data by the Iloilo City government has indicated that as of July 8, 2020, 265 families and 996 individuals have been evacuated.
