Attention is focused this week on infection prevention and control – the foundation of safe and effective health care as the nation marks a week-long observance.
The July 11-17 event is the National Infection and Control Week, which aims to promote awareness on the need to prevent or minimize the spread of avoidable infections among patients and healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics and government agencies through important practices, like hand hygiene, proper use of equipment and waste management.
The observance is focusing on the theme, “Building IPC Responsive System: Strengthening, Monitoring, Collaboration and Resilience.”
In connection with the observance, two health care institutions in southern Negros conducted various activities aligned with the focus of the celebration.
The two facilities are the district hospitals in Cauayan and Hinoba-an headed by Drs. Maricel Dida and Ma. Lalaine Teorima, respectively.
In its FB post, the Cauayan District Hospital, reiterated the commitment to build and maintain a highly responsive IPC system through:
• Proper and timely monitoring
• Active collaboration
• Consistent resilience
• Appropriate and quick action based on available data
These are the pillars that support our IPC system, the hospital said, adding that the observance serves as “a reminder to every doctor, nurse, allied health professional and staff member that infection is everyone’s responsibility.”
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In Hinoba-an, like in other hospitals nationwide, a poster-making contest was held to highlight the remarkable creativity and talents of students from various high schools in the town.
Dr. Teorima said the entry of Bulwangan Farm School topped the competition. The top-winning entry was done by Myreel Jisha Fernandez and Shekinah Sagon. They were coached by Daisy Ann Tangal.
Bulwangan NHS-Talacagay Extension and Bilbao-Uybico NHS placed second and third, respectively.
The Bulwangan artists were Kristian Andzhelo Baychev and Mariah Izeabail Tacdoro. Their coaches Vency Grace Francisco, Cicelle Louise Gayumane, Eljin Rose Jungco and Lornalie Adolfo.
The Bilbao-Uybico NHS poster maker was Stephen Casilan with Loegie Vargas as coach.
The winners received cash prizes and certificates of recognition. Their mentors were also presented certificates.
Through their inspiring work, Dr. Teorima said, our young artists remind us that infection prevention starts with awareness, shared responsibility and community action toward a healthy and safer future.
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Another important health observance in July is National Deworming Month.
The observance is also done every January as health authorities recommend a twice-a-year deworming of children.
The Department of Health campaign hopes to eliminate intestinal parasitism through the provision of free and safe deworming medications, which are distributed to learners in public schools and in Barangay health centers.
During the month, health educators also teach proper hygiene to children through frequent hand washing and wearing of shoes or slippers.
They are also taught to eat thoroughly washed and cooked food.
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Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 1:2) | NWI
