Last December 6, 2010, country coordinators of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Network for Drugs, Diagnostics and Vaccines Innovation (ASEAN-NDI) held its 2nd meeting at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City.
35 participants attended the event, including 10 country Focal Points of the ASEAN Subcommittee on Biotechnology (SCB) and delegates from respective countries’ Ministries of Science and Technology and Ministries of Health.
The meeting reviewed and consolidated the ASEAN R&D landscape mapping results; share the lessons learned from other innovative networks being established from the other parts of the world, such as the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) and other regional networks; and discuss 2011-2012 plans for funding opportunities for future activities.
Dr. Carol M. Yorobe, Focal Point for the Philippines of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Science and Technology Infrastructure and Resources Development, and Undersecretary for Regional Operations of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and H.E. Mr. Lim Kong, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy in the Kingdom of Cambodia graced the occasion.
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director, Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, lead coordinator of the mapping activity and Focal Point for the Philippines for the ASEAN Subcommittee on Biotechnology, led the discussions.
The group was joined by Dr. Bernadette Ramirez, scientist of the World Health Organization Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (WHO-TDR) and Mr. Jun Nakagawa, Technical Officer from the Western Pacific Region Office (WPRO).
Dr. Ramirez called for convergence in R&D activities in the ASEAN; she said, “It is very important for us to work together, to be linked together, because as a group, we can do bigger and greater things.” ASEAN can learn from ANDI, and use these lessons in the ASEAN context. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
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Showing posts with label DOH NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOH NEWS. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
UP Manila signs first license agreement for the technology of Lagundi syrup
The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) signs its first license agreement for the technology of Lagundi pediatric syrup with Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc. last January 24, 2010.
Per the Resolution of its Board of Regents (BOR) on October 2010, UP Manila adopted the evaluation and recommendation of PCHRD to approve the license application of Azarias based on the policies and guidelines of the DOST.
In his acceptance message, Project Operations Head of the Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc., Engr. Jaime Joel C. Monje said, “The therapeutic effects of Lagundi is indeed a testimony that the indigenous medicinal products developed in the Philippines can very well compete with the more established preparations coming from imported pharmaceutical companies. Our many thanks to UP Manila and to the office of the PCHRD, for making this long awaited event to be a reality.”
Concluding the signing ceremony, Professor Zorayda E. Leopando, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, UP Manila stated, “This pioneering partnership with Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories Inc. is our proactive and committed response in the implementation of the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009.”
Together with UP Manila’s signing of the license agreement with Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories Inc., PCHRD, also signed the formal transfer of technology entitlement on medicinal plant products generated from National Integrated Research on Philippine Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) researches to UP Manila in accordance with RA 10055. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
Per the Resolution of its Board of Regents (BOR) on October 2010, UP Manila adopted the evaluation and recommendation of PCHRD to approve the license application of Azarias based on the policies and guidelines of the DOST.
In his acceptance message, Project Operations Head of the Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Inc., Engr. Jaime Joel C. Monje said, “The therapeutic effects of Lagundi is indeed a testimony that the indigenous medicinal products developed in the Philippines can very well compete with the more established preparations coming from imported pharmaceutical companies. Our many thanks to UP Manila and to the office of the PCHRD, for making this long awaited event to be a reality.”
Concluding the signing ceremony, Professor Zorayda E. Leopando, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development, UP Manila stated, “This pioneering partnership with Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories Inc. is our proactive and committed response in the implementation of the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009.”
Together with UP Manila’s signing of the license agreement with Azarias Pharmaceutical Laboratories Inc., PCHRD, also signed the formal transfer of technology entitlement on medicinal plant products generated from National Integrated Research on Philippine Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP) researches to UP Manila in accordance with RA 10055. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
Expert tackles the basics on technology and the cells
Dr. Jose Enrico H. Lazaro, a doctor in experimental and clinical pharmacology and assistant professor at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – University of the Philippines Diliman (NIMBB-UPD) lectured on the different technologies on cell biology and genetics and the basic operational procedures in the study of cells during a seminar sponsored by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) entitled “Technology and the Cells” last February 2011 at the DOST Executive Lounge, Bicutan Taguig City.
According to Dr. Lazaro, “This seminar is very important to renew the knowledge of the project officers in the discipline of biotechnology and other molecular-based approaches elated to pre-clinical and clinical studies, crucial in performing their functions as front-liners in the management and processing PCHRD supported and monitored researches.”
Among the technologies highlighted were: the Confocal Microscope or Confocal Microscopy which is important in specific identification of sub cellular components like DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and protein markers, the Flow Cytometry System that is used in counting and isolating cell populations, PerkinElmer’s TopCount Scintillation Counter for cell reproduction and the Roche’s Xcelligence System that can be used in monitoring cell growth and morphological changes.
Dr. Lazaro also presented how 2D (two dimensional) PAGE works, the MuDPIT System for proteomics, the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) for structural biology and diagnosis, the ELISA-BIOTEK System, the Western Blot System, the iBlot System or Invitrogen, the Southern Blot System, the SKY (spectral karyotyping) and M-FISH (Multiplex-FISH) Systems, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and the different DNA sequencing processes.
“This is the first among the capacity building activities that we are going to pursue this year,” said PCHRD Director Dr. Jaime Montoya. “Being at the forefront of health research and development (R &D) in the country, it is important to equip people with the required skills and knowledge to effectively deliver quality products and services and to cope with the challenges brought about by rapid development in health R&D.” Dr. Montoya concluded.
This seminar series is part of PCHRD’s staff capacity building program; and this topic on “Technology and the Cells” prepares the staff for the R&D programs on genomics, drug discovery and stem cell. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
According to Dr. Lazaro, “This seminar is very important to renew the knowledge of the project officers in the discipline of biotechnology and other molecular-based approaches elated to pre-clinical and clinical studies, crucial in performing their functions as front-liners in the management and processing PCHRD supported and monitored researches.”
Among the technologies highlighted were: the Confocal Microscope or Confocal Microscopy which is important in specific identification of sub cellular components like DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and protein markers, the Flow Cytometry System that is used in counting and isolating cell populations, PerkinElmer’s TopCount Scintillation Counter for cell reproduction and the Roche’s Xcelligence System that can be used in monitoring cell growth and morphological changes.
Dr. Lazaro also presented how 2D (two dimensional) PAGE works, the MuDPIT System for proteomics, the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) for structural biology and diagnosis, the ELISA-BIOTEK System, the Western Blot System, the iBlot System or Invitrogen, the Southern Blot System, the SKY (spectral karyotyping) and M-FISH (Multiplex-FISH) Systems, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and the different DNA sequencing processes.
“This is the first among the capacity building activities that we are going to pursue this year,” said PCHRD Director Dr. Jaime Montoya. “Being at the forefront of health research and development (R &D) in the country, it is important to equip people with the required skills and knowledge to effectively deliver quality products and services and to cope with the challenges brought about by rapid development in health R&D.” Dr. Montoya concluded.
This seminar series is part of PCHRD’s staff capacity building program; and this topic on “Technology and the Cells” prepares the staff for the R&D programs on genomics, drug discovery and stem cell. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
PCHRD’s 29th year: Challenges and Innovations in Local Health Technologies
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) will celebrate its 29th Anniversary on March 18, 2011, at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila with the theme “Challenges and Innovations in Local Health Technologies.”
The celebration will be graced by Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the DOST and Secretary Enrique T. Ona of the Department of Health (DOH). Dr. Reynaldo L. Garcia of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – University of the Philippines Diliman will be the anniversary keynote speaker.
Part of the program is a panel discussion highlighting the drug development situation in the Philippines in terms of clinical research, ethics, clinical trials regulation and intellectual property rights.
There will be two breakout sessions in the afternoon. Session I will tackle the prevention and control of two infectious diseases, dengue and leptospirosis. Session II will focus on non-infectious diseases like cognitive problems in aging and renal disease. The sessions will be followed by a business meeting of the PCHRD Scholars Society.
PCHRD, one of five DOST sectoral councils, coordinates and monitors health research activities in the country. Since its founding on March 17, 1982, it has advocated a strong health research culture and mobilized resources to generate knowledge, technologies and innovations and their use in Philippine healthcare. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
The celebration will be graced by Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the DOST and Secretary Enrique T. Ona of the Department of Health (DOH). Dr. Reynaldo L. Garcia of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – University of the Philippines Diliman will be the anniversary keynote speaker.
Part of the program is a panel discussion highlighting the drug development situation in the Philippines in terms of clinical research, ethics, clinical trials regulation and intellectual property rights.
There will be two breakout sessions in the afternoon. Session I will tackle the prevention and control of two infectious diseases, dengue and leptospirosis. Session II will focus on non-infectious diseases like cognitive problems in aging and renal disease. The sessions will be followed by a business meeting of the PCHRD Scholars Society.
PCHRD, one of five DOST sectoral councils, coordinates and monitors health research activities in the country. Since its founding on March 17, 1982, it has advocated a strong health research culture and mobilized resources to generate knowledge, technologies and innovations and their use in Philippine healthcare. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
6th APOCB congress tackles impact and challenges in cell biology
The Asian Pacific Organization for Cell Biology Congress (APOCB) held its 6th International Congress last February 25-28, 2011, at the EDSA Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City.
With the theme “Challenges in Cell Biology: Health, Agriculture, Industry and Education”, the APOCB congress brought together educators, postgraduate and post doctoral researchers, students, and experts in cell biology to talk about the latest advances and state-of-the-art technologies in cell biology and their impact on the various fields of medicine, plant and animal sciences, biotechnology and education.
The event featured eleven plenary lectures from well-known experts on a diverse range of topics: cell biology, molecular biology, drug discovery, emerging technologies and issues in biosafety and biobanking.
During the opening ceremonies last February 26, Dr. Nobutaka Hirokawa, President of the APOCB, highlighted the significance of cell biology in his message, “Cell biology is the core of the life sciences --- molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, and systems biology. And it does not only cover the basic science but also covers applied science such as pharmaceutical science, clinical medicine, and agricultural science.
In his keynote address, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo shared about the initiatives of the DOST in support of cell biology R&D, “This year, we are going to launch new policy and program initiatives on drug discovery, stem cell and genomics. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has already proposed for the creation of the Drug Discovery and Diagnostics Development Program which aims to establish and sustain the country’s capability in drug discovery and diagnostics development through collaborative research and building human, institutional and economic capacity.”
Prior to the plenary lectures, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of the poster and commercial exhibits. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
With the theme “Challenges in Cell Biology: Health, Agriculture, Industry and Education”, the APOCB congress brought together educators, postgraduate and post doctoral researchers, students, and experts in cell biology to talk about the latest advances and state-of-the-art technologies in cell biology and their impact on the various fields of medicine, plant and animal sciences, biotechnology and education.
The event featured eleven plenary lectures from well-known experts on a diverse range of topics: cell biology, molecular biology, drug discovery, emerging technologies and issues in biosafety and biobanking.
During the opening ceremonies last February 26, Dr. Nobutaka Hirokawa, President of the APOCB, highlighted the significance of cell biology in his message, “Cell biology is the core of the life sciences --- molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, and systems biology. And it does not only cover the basic science but also covers applied science such as pharmaceutical science, clinical medicine, and agricultural science.
In his keynote address, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo shared about the initiatives of the DOST in support of cell biology R&D, “This year, we are going to launch new policy and program initiatives on drug discovery, stem cell and genomics. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has already proposed for the creation of the Drug Discovery and Diagnostics Development Program which aims to establish and sustain the country’s capability in drug discovery and diagnostics development through collaborative research and building human, institutional and economic capacity.”
Prior to the plenary lectures, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of the poster and commercial exhibits. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
Leyte local executives support DOST-DOH OL mosquito trap program
“We will stop dengue incidence in the province now,” said Leyte Governor Jericho L. Petilla, during the launching of the Ovicidal and Larvicidal (OL) mosquito trap in Balyuan Convention Center, Tacloban Leyte on 19 February 2011.
The OL mosquito trap is a technology developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) designed to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting and killing their eggs in a simple but proven effective system. This technology will be distributed nationwide in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH).
“We are more than willing to put this trap in every household especially in those areas with high prevalence of dengue,” said Governor Petilla, as he cited that Leyte was one of the most affected provinces in the country.
The Governor also encouraged his fellow officials and local constituents to be involved and not to wait until they become victims of the disease. “We should be very careful, that people might think that this OL mosquito trap is the all-out solution, this is only a mitigation technique. It is very important to involve ourselves in this endeavor and be responsible to clean our surroundings to protect ourselves against dengue,” Governor Petilla concluded.
Meanwhile, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, thanked DOST and DOH for choosing Tacloban as the first recipient of this innovative technology. “The trap would be a big help to lower the incidence of dengue in our locality,” said Mayor Romualdez.
According to the DOH Region VIII, Eastern Visayas recorded more than 5,000 dengue cases and 65 deaths in the first six months of 2010. More than one fourth of the cases came from Tacloban with 1,194 cases. Eighty-five percent of the victims were children less than 12 years old.
“We don’t want to see anymore dead children because of this scary disease, we will do all to protect our children,” declared Mayor Romualdez.
He also stated that the local government of Tacloban will allocate funds to buy extra OL mosquito trap kit to distribute to all houses specially the identified high dengue risk areas.
DOST and DOH will distribute 2,800 kits to each of the 16 regions of the country. National Capital Region (NCR) will get a separate allocation of 5,200 OL mosquito trap kits.
Among the local officials who graced the ceremonial distribution of OL mosquito traps were Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, President of Visayas State University (VSU), Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga, Regional Director of DOH-VIII, Engr. Edgardo Esperancilla, Regional Director of DOST –VIII and barangay officials. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
The OL mosquito trap is a technology developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) designed to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting and killing their eggs in a simple but proven effective system. This technology will be distributed nationwide in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH).
“We are more than willing to put this trap in every household especially in those areas with high prevalence of dengue,” said Governor Petilla, as he cited that Leyte was one of the most affected provinces in the country.
The Governor also encouraged his fellow officials and local constituents to be involved and not to wait until they become victims of the disease. “We should be very careful, that people might think that this OL mosquito trap is the all-out solution, this is only a mitigation technique. It is very important to involve ourselves in this endeavor and be responsible to clean our surroundings to protect ourselves against dengue,” Governor Petilla concluded.
Meanwhile, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, thanked DOST and DOH for choosing Tacloban as the first recipient of this innovative technology. “The trap would be a big help to lower the incidence of dengue in our locality,” said Mayor Romualdez.
According to the DOH Region VIII, Eastern Visayas recorded more than 5,000 dengue cases and 65 deaths in the first six months of 2010. More than one fourth of the cases came from Tacloban with 1,194 cases. Eighty-five percent of the victims were children less than 12 years old.
“We don’t want to see anymore dead children because of this scary disease, we will do all to protect our children,” declared Mayor Romualdez.
He also stated that the local government of Tacloban will allocate funds to buy extra OL mosquito trap kit to distribute to all houses specially the identified high dengue risk areas.
DOST and DOH will distribute 2,800 kits to each of the 16 regions of the country. National Capital Region (NCR) will get a separate allocation of 5,200 OL mosquito trap kits.
Among the local officials who graced the ceremonial distribution of OL mosquito traps were Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, President of Visayas State University (VSU), Ms. Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu, Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Dr. Edgardo Gonzaga, Regional Director of DOH-VIII, Engr. Edgardo Esperancilla, Regional Director of DOST –VIII and barangay officials. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
OL Mosquito Trap: The science of mosquito control and dengue prevention
According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue incidence in the Philippines has risen to an “all-time high” and reached the epidemic proportion in some regions.
In 2010, DOH recorded 98,934 dengue cases with 644 deaths from January to September alone. The cases have doubled compared to the entire 2009 cases with a total of 57,819.
This is the reason why DOH concluded that 2010 is the year of living “dengue-rously,” where dengue took center stage as the most prevailing health issue in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considered dengue as one of the fastest-emerging infections in the world that, despite decades of research, there is no effective drug or vaccine ever developed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) introduced an alternative to address the alarming dengue situation in the country. This is the DOST Ovicidal and Larvicidal (OL) mosquito trap, a low cost yet effective device designed to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting and killing their eggs in a simple but effective science-based system.
Dr. Lilian de las Llagas, OL trap technical consultant and mosquito expert from the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) said that, “In order to appreciate how OL mosquito trap works and understand how dengue virus spreads, it is important to understand the life cycle of the female dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.”
Basically, female mosquito has three major chores: To mate with the male mosquito, sip blood of human victim and lay eggs.
“When we talk about the transmission of dengue virus, male mosquito has no significance at all except for reproductive purposes,” said Dr. de las Llagas. After mating with the male mosquito, female mosquito starts to hunt a human victim to supply her blood meal from sunrise to sunset. “This is the reason why dengue virus is not transmitted after six o’clock because Aedes mosquito bites only at daytime,” added Dr. de las Llagas.
Dr. de las Llagas warned that among the favorites of mosquitoes are children who are smelly and wet with sweat, but this does not mean that mosquitoes are selective. No one is exempted from mosquito’s bites. A female mosquito needs to bite at least three human victims in order to complete her blood meal. This leads to virus transmission. Every time an infected mosquito bites, it transfers the virus.
When blood meal is satisfied or completed, the female mosquito lays her eggs. This is the time the OL mosquito trap performs its functions to impede mosquitoes’ regeneration.
The OL mosquito trap system is designed to attract female mosquitoes to lay its eggs on the trap. Basically, the black paint or black container lures the female mosquitoes. Also, the strip of wet “lawanit” board inside the trap creates optimum condition that adds up to the level of attraction for female mosquitoes.
The scientific principle behind this technology is that mosquitoes preferred to lay their eggs in dark colored containers. “This is not actually a new technology,” said Dr. de las Llagas. “This fact has been known since 1969.”
What is new about the OL mosquito trap is the natural ovicide and larvicide incorporated to the system. These are pellets in form, made from organic compounds derived from plants. These pellets contain non-toxic substances safe to human. However, when they are incorporated to the system they become ovicidal and larvicidal. The word “cidal” connotes death. “So once the egg touches the solution it will die. If the egg hatches, the larvae will die, its larvae will not become pupa, its pupa will not become adult and no adult to lay eggs,” said Dr. de las Llagas.
The technology is also easy to manage. It is a “set and forget” principle. Set the trap, put it on dump and undisturbed areas or in the suspected areas where mosquitoes are hiding, then forget about it, because the trap itself kills the eggs or the larvae.
If a single female mosquito lays 100 eggs in the trap, this means you trap 100 eggs to become adults in several days, and you prevent 100 mosquitoes to bite approximately 300 human victims at the average of three human victims in every complete blood meal. “It is a simple arithmetic in terms of natural mosquito reduction by simply putting this trap. The more traps, the better,” said D. de las Llagas. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
In 2010, DOH recorded 98,934 dengue cases with 644 deaths from January to September alone. The cases have doubled compared to the entire 2009 cases with a total of 57,819.
This is the reason why DOH concluded that 2010 is the year of living “dengue-rously,” where dengue took center stage as the most prevailing health issue in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considered dengue as one of the fastest-emerging infections in the world that, despite decades of research, there is no effective drug or vaccine ever developed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) introduced an alternative to address the alarming dengue situation in the country. This is the DOST Ovicidal and Larvicidal (OL) mosquito trap, a low cost yet effective device designed to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting and killing their eggs in a simple but effective science-based system.
Dr. Lilian de las Llagas, OL trap technical consultant and mosquito expert from the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) said that, “In order to appreciate how OL mosquito trap works and understand how dengue virus spreads, it is important to understand the life cycle of the female dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes.”
Basically, female mosquito has three major chores: To mate with the male mosquito, sip blood of human victim and lay eggs.
“When we talk about the transmission of dengue virus, male mosquito has no significance at all except for reproductive purposes,” said Dr. de las Llagas. After mating with the male mosquito, female mosquito starts to hunt a human victim to supply her blood meal from sunrise to sunset. “This is the reason why dengue virus is not transmitted after six o’clock because Aedes mosquito bites only at daytime,” added Dr. de las Llagas.
Dr. de las Llagas warned that among the favorites of mosquitoes are children who are smelly and wet with sweat, but this does not mean that mosquitoes are selective. No one is exempted from mosquito’s bites. A female mosquito needs to bite at least three human victims in order to complete her blood meal. This leads to virus transmission. Every time an infected mosquito bites, it transfers the virus.
When blood meal is satisfied or completed, the female mosquito lays her eggs. This is the time the OL mosquito trap performs its functions to impede mosquitoes’ regeneration.
The OL mosquito trap system is designed to attract female mosquitoes to lay its eggs on the trap. Basically, the black paint or black container lures the female mosquitoes. Also, the strip of wet “lawanit” board inside the trap creates optimum condition that adds up to the level of attraction for female mosquitoes.
The scientific principle behind this technology is that mosquitoes preferred to lay their eggs in dark colored containers. “This is not actually a new technology,” said Dr. de las Llagas. “This fact has been known since 1969.”
What is new about the OL mosquito trap is the natural ovicide and larvicide incorporated to the system. These are pellets in form, made from organic compounds derived from plants. These pellets contain non-toxic substances safe to human. However, when they are incorporated to the system they become ovicidal and larvicidal. The word “cidal” connotes death. “So once the egg touches the solution it will die. If the egg hatches, the larvae will die, its larvae will not become pupa, its pupa will not become adult and no adult to lay eggs,” said Dr. de las Llagas.
The technology is also easy to manage. It is a “set and forget” principle. Set the trap, put it on dump and undisturbed areas or in the suspected areas where mosquitoes are hiding, then forget about it, because the trap itself kills the eggs or the larvae.
If a single female mosquito lays 100 eggs in the trap, this means you trap 100 eggs to become adults in several days, and you prevent 100 mosquitoes to bite approximately 300 human victims at the average of three human victims in every complete blood meal. “It is a simple arithmetic in terms of natural mosquito reduction by simply putting this trap. The more traps, the better,” said D. de las Llagas. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
PCHRD transfers technology entitlement on medicinal plant to UP Manila
January 24, UP Manila - To implement the provision on ownership of intellectual property of the “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009” or RA 10055, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) on January 24, 2011 at Alvior Hall, College of Medicine, UP Manila.
The MOA with PCHRD-DOST officially marked the turn-over of entitlement on intellectual property for medicinal plant products and related processes to UPM.
Dr. Reynaldo Garcia, Director of Technology Licensing Office of the UP System shared what he felt was the impact on research in the University of Republic Act. No. 10055 and discussed the challenge of technology commercialization.
“Commercializing a new technology rapidly is crucial to gain competitive advantage in this age of globalization. From identifying potential technologies, securing funding, working with R&D institutions, filing intellectual property, to producing and marketing products, there are a lot of gaps to be filled. Our focus now is to efficiently transfer our research results and knowledge to the marketplace.” said Dr. Garcia.
Ms. Merlita Opeña, Chief of Research, Information and Communication Utilization Division (RICUD) of PCHRD assured UPM the continuing support of PCHRD.
“As you strengthen your corporate and administrative systems to enable UP Manila to be in a better position to handle this challenging role of setting up technology-based businesses, the DOST and the PCHRD, in particular, is very close behind you, and will lend you a helping hand.” said Ms. Opeña.
The Republic Act 10055 or the “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009” aims to promote and facilitate the transfer, dissemination, and effective use, management, and commercialization of intellectual property, technology and knowledge resulting from R&D funded by the government for the benefit of national economy and taxpayers. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
The MOA with PCHRD-DOST officially marked the turn-over of entitlement on intellectual property for medicinal plant products and related processes to UPM.
Dr. Reynaldo Garcia, Director of Technology Licensing Office of the UP System shared what he felt was the impact on research in the University of Republic Act. No. 10055 and discussed the challenge of technology commercialization.
“Commercializing a new technology rapidly is crucial to gain competitive advantage in this age of globalization. From identifying potential technologies, securing funding, working with R&D institutions, filing intellectual property, to producing and marketing products, there are a lot of gaps to be filled. Our focus now is to efficiently transfer our research results and knowledge to the marketplace.” said Dr. Garcia.
Ms. Merlita Opeña, Chief of Research, Information and Communication Utilization Division (RICUD) of PCHRD assured UPM the continuing support of PCHRD.
“As you strengthen your corporate and administrative systems to enable UP Manila to be in a better position to handle this challenging role of setting up technology-based businesses, the DOST and the PCHRD, in particular, is very close behind you, and will lend you a helping hand.” said Ms. Opeña.
The Republic Act 10055 or the “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009” aims to promote and facilitate the transfer, dissemination, and effective use, management, and commercialization of intellectual property, technology and knowledge resulting from R&D funded by the government for the benefit of national economy and taxpayers. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
Cagayan Valley is set to fight dengue
The second leg of the national roll-out of the Ovicidal Larvicidal (OL) mosquito trap program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Health (DOH) was held at the Kamaranan Hall, Provincial Capitol Tuguegarao City on 7 March 2011.
“This is the right time to center our attention to this innovative technology,” said Dr. Urdujah A. Tejada, Regional Director of DOST Region 2. “Given the fact that the dengue cases are increasing all over the country, the National Dengue Prevention and Control Section of DOH, advised that the best way to control this dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes is to kill them at the early stage of their lives or through larval source reduction strategies - which is basically the design of the OL mosquito trap,” added Dr. Tejada.
The OL mosquito trap is a tool used to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting the female mosquito to lay eggs on an ordinary black-plastic or black-painted tin-can with ovicide/larvicide that kills the mosquito egg and larvae.
The provincial government of Cagayan responded positively and ensured its support to the program. “Health is our priority in Cagayan,” said Cagayan Provincial Administrator Engr. Tito Perlas, representative of Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio.
The DOH has recorded more than 6000 dengue cases with 57 deaths in the region in 2010. The cases increased to 169 percent compared to the cases recorded in 2009. “This caused panic among us, because Cagayan has the highest incidence of dengue among other provinces,” said Engr. Perlas. “That is why we are grateful to the people behind this innovative technology. This will be a big help to our local folks in fighting dengue,” Engr. Perlas concluded.
The OL mosquito traps were distributed to the high risks areas in the region last 8 March 2011 in cooperation with the DOST Region 2, DOH Region 2, Local Government Unit and the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao.
Private Sector’s Response
The Zonta Club Philippines, an international woman’s organization, vows support to the OL mosquito trap program of the government.
“We are committed to elevate the status of women and children in the communities. Part of this commitment is to protect them from dangerous diseases like dengue, that is why we vow to include this OL mosquito trap technology in our advocacies,” said Atty. Mila Lauigan, Zonta District Chair for Legislative Awareness and Advocacy. “We can also use our connections to promote this technology because we have members who are holding vital positions in the government and in private sector. They could be a big help to promote OL mosquito trap in their own organizations or group,” assured Atty. Lauigan in an interview.
The group also committed to promote the technology in their seminars and allocate budget to buy “pellets” (the ovicidal and larvicidal component of the system) to be distributed in the remote areas covered by their organization.
Academe to bring OL Traps to communities
The academe will dovetail dengue information awareness campaigns in its research and extension program and bring down to the barangay level the technology.
According to Ms. Edmelyn Cacayon, Dean of the College of Nursing, Isabela State University (ISU), “We have community immersion programs, where we adopt a barangay to help increase not only their awareness or knowledge on health but to improve their status of living as a whole.”
ISU adopted Brgy. Villa Fermin in Echague, Isabela and send their nursing students twice a week to conduct lectures and seminars in the community. “We let our students experience and see the real world of service because nurses are not meant for hospitals only but for community service as well,” said Ms. Cacayon.
Brgy. Villa Fermin is a dumpsite in Echague, Isabela. Among the prevailing health issues in the barangay are malnutrition, sanitation and improper waste disposal, making the community highly vulnerable to diseases.
Aside from lectures and seminars, ISU introduced strategies to address these health problems. For instance, the College of Nursing coordinated with the College of Agriculture to bring the technologies for vegetable farming/gardening to the community. ISU trained the community to produce vegetables in response to the nutrition issues. “The good thing is, we help them get nourished and at the same time, earn extra income from their harvest,” said Ms. Cacayon.
ISU also taught proper sanitation practices and proper waste disposal, and launched an anti-dengue awareness campaign reiterating that “cleanliness and proper sanitation” is the key to disease prevention and control in the community.
“With these simple things, we bring big impact to the community, because we as health professionals served not only those people who have money but, most importantly, those who are in the far flung communities that are usually neglected,” concluded Ms. Cacayon.
ISU Director for Health Services Dr. Pastor Lopez also said in an interview that ISU envisions to put-up station clinics in the barangays. “We don’t want to see children dying not only because of dengue but also with other diseases, without being checked by the professionals,” Dr. Lopez added.
Aside from ISU, University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) formerly known as Cagayan Colleges Tugegarao (CCT), Quirino State College (QSC) and Nueva Viscaya State University (NVSU) will also align a dengue prevention information campaign through its National Service Training Program (NSTP). Under the NSTP’s Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), students participate in a community campaign against dengue called “Operation Tumba.” “Tumba” means to destroy all possible habitats for dengue mosquitoes.
Dr. Gregoria Gocal, Director for Community Extension and Services of UCV admitted in an interview, that they spray commercial insecticide every week in their classrooms to secure their students against mosquito bites. “We will definitely shift to this new OL mosquito trap system, not only because it is cheaper. The OL trap is easy to manage, harmless to human and, most importantly environment-friendly,” Dr. Gocal concluded. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
“This is the right time to center our attention to this innovative technology,” said Dr. Urdujah A. Tejada, Regional Director of DOST Region 2. “Given the fact that the dengue cases are increasing all over the country, the National Dengue Prevention and Control Section of DOH, advised that the best way to control this dengue-carrying Aedes mosquitoes is to kill them at the early stage of their lives or through larval source reduction strategies - which is basically the design of the OL mosquito trap,” added Dr. Tejada.
The OL mosquito trap is a tool used to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting the female mosquito to lay eggs on an ordinary black-plastic or black-painted tin-can with ovicide/larvicide that kills the mosquito egg and larvae.
The provincial government of Cagayan responded positively and ensured its support to the program. “Health is our priority in Cagayan,” said Cagayan Provincial Administrator Engr. Tito Perlas, representative of Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio.
The DOH has recorded more than 6000 dengue cases with 57 deaths in the region in 2010. The cases increased to 169 percent compared to the cases recorded in 2009. “This caused panic among us, because Cagayan has the highest incidence of dengue among other provinces,” said Engr. Perlas. “That is why we are grateful to the people behind this innovative technology. This will be a big help to our local folks in fighting dengue,” Engr. Perlas concluded.
The OL mosquito traps were distributed to the high risks areas in the region last 8 March 2011 in cooperation with the DOST Region 2, DOH Region 2, Local Government Unit and the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao.
Private Sector’s Response
The Zonta Club Philippines, an international woman’s organization, vows support to the OL mosquito trap program of the government.
“We are committed to elevate the status of women and children in the communities. Part of this commitment is to protect them from dangerous diseases like dengue, that is why we vow to include this OL mosquito trap technology in our advocacies,” said Atty. Mila Lauigan, Zonta District Chair for Legislative Awareness and Advocacy. “We can also use our connections to promote this technology because we have members who are holding vital positions in the government and in private sector. They could be a big help to promote OL mosquito trap in their own organizations or group,” assured Atty. Lauigan in an interview.
The group also committed to promote the technology in their seminars and allocate budget to buy “pellets” (the ovicidal and larvicidal component of the system) to be distributed in the remote areas covered by their organization.
Academe to bring OL Traps to communities
The academe will dovetail dengue information awareness campaigns in its research and extension program and bring down to the barangay level the technology.
According to Ms. Edmelyn Cacayon, Dean of the College of Nursing, Isabela State University (ISU), “We have community immersion programs, where we adopt a barangay to help increase not only their awareness or knowledge on health but to improve their status of living as a whole.”
ISU adopted Brgy. Villa Fermin in Echague, Isabela and send their nursing students twice a week to conduct lectures and seminars in the community. “We let our students experience and see the real world of service because nurses are not meant for hospitals only but for community service as well,” said Ms. Cacayon.
Brgy. Villa Fermin is a dumpsite in Echague, Isabela. Among the prevailing health issues in the barangay are malnutrition, sanitation and improper waste disposal, making the community highly vulnerable to diseases.
Aside from lectures and seminars, ISU introduced strategies to address these health problems. For instance, the College of Nursing coordinated with the College of Agriculture to bring the technologies for vegetable farming/gardening to the community. ISU trained the community to produce vegetables in response to the nutrition issues. “The good thing is, we help them get nourished and at the same time, earn extra income from their harvest,” said Ms. Cacayon.
ISU also taught proper sanitation practices and proper waste disposal, and launched an anti-dengue awareness campaign reiterating that “cleanliness and proper sanitation” is the key to disease prevention and control in the community.
“With these simple things, we bring big impact to the community, because we as health professionals served not only those people who have money but, most importantly, those who are in the far flung communities that are usually neglected,” concluded Ms. Cacayon.
ISU Director for Health Services Dr. Pastor Lopez also said in an interview that ISU envisions to put-up station clinics in the barangays. “We don’t want to see children dying not only because of dengue but also with other diseases, without being checked by the professionals,” Dr. Lopez added.
Aside from ISU, University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) formerly known as Cagayan Colleges Tugegarao (CCT), Quirino State College (QSC) and Nueva Viscaya State University (NVSU) will also align a dengue prevention information campaign through its National Service Training Program (NSTP). Under the NSTP’s Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), students participate in a community campaign against dengue called “Operation Tumba.” “Tumba” means to destroy all possible habitats for dengue mosquitoes.
Dr. Gregoria Gocal, Director for Community Extension and Services of UCV admitted in an interview, that they spray commercial insecticide every week in their classrooms to secure their students against mosquito bites. “We will definitely shift to this new OL mosquito trap system, not only because it is cheaper. The OL trap is easy to manage, harmless to human and, most importantly environment-friendly,” Dr. Gocal concluded. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
PCHRD showcases local health technologies and innovations on its 29th anniversary
Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) celebrated its 29th year anniversary with the theme “Challenges and Innovations in Local Health Technologies” at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila last March 18, 2011.
In his opening message, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo expressed his appreciation on PCHRD’s anniversary theme, “I am pleased to note that your anniversary theme this year focuses on local health technologies, which is aligned with the present administration’s advocacy. We believe in our people. We believe that local technology works.”
He further emphasized, “We will be prioritizing and supporting the development of affordable diagnostic kits, quality pharmaceutical products using our local resources and the development of traditional Filipino medicine…But we need to work together as a purpose driven team.”
Assistant Secretary Nemesio T. Gako of the Department of Health (DOH) delivered Secretary Enrique T. Ona’s message for the occasion. In his message, Sec. Ona pointed out that challenges and opportunities for technology innovation and health research abound in two areas of the Universal Health Care’s (UHC) strategic thrusts --- ensuring access and quality in health facilities and attainment of health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“The challenge is to scale up with more resources (human), funding and support systems or infrastructures especially in far-flung areas. Innovations in drugs and vaccines to support treatment interventions for our key MDG-identified diseases such as HIV, Malaria, and TB are resource-heavy and equally compete for our scarce health budget.” he said.
Keynote speaker Dr. Reynaldo L. Garcia, Professor from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Diliman, identified the challenges on diversifying drug discovery programs in the country.
“First, we always end up with drug-like compounds and then we don’t pursue them further. Second, researchers keep taking on “new projects” all the time and we never pursue our initial results. The third challenge is we don’t have expertise in lead optimization and we don’t have medicinal chemists.” he said.
As a take home message to the participants, Dr. Garcia stressed, “We need to diversify and scale up. We should be aware that the attrition rate is very high and many of the things we are working on right now are going to fail. The other thing is to plan what to do next, because obviously we would have drug candidates sooner than later and we have to know what to do with them. We should also strategize our drug discovery approach. We should consider partnering; it is about sharing the risk. Lastly, it is important to have a change in mindset. Be more innovative and be more commercial.”
In the panel discussion, experts highlighted the drug development situation in the Philippines in terms of clinical research, ethics, clinical trials regulation, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The panelists included Ms. Linda Grace Mendoza, President of the Philippine Clinical Research Professionals, Inc., Dr. Cecilia V. Tomas, Chair of the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) Subcommittee on Accreditation, Dr. Suzette Lazo, Director IV of the Food and Drug Administration, and Mr. Epifanio Rey Evasco, Director IV of the Bureau of Patents, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
The panel discussion was followed by two breakout sessions covering PCHRD-supported researches on infectious and non-infectious diseases. Session 1 tackled Dengue and Leptospirosis while Session 2 focused on Aging and Memory and Renal Disease. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
In his opening message, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo expressed his appreciation on PCHRD’s anniversary theme, “I am pleased to note that your anniversary theme this year focuses on local health technologies, which is aligned with the present administration’s advocacy. We believe in our people. We believe that local technology works.”
He further emphasized, “We will be prioritizing and supporting the development of affordable diagnostic kits, quality pharmaceutical products using our local resources and the development of traditional Filipino medicine…But we need to work together as a purpose driven team.”
Assistant Secretary Nemesio T. Gako of the Department of Health (DOH) delivered Secretary Enrique T. Ona’s message for the occasion. In his message, Sec. Ona pointed out that challenges and opportunities for technology innovation and health research abound in two areas of the Universal Health Care’s (UHC) strategic thrusts --- ensuring access and quality in health facilities and attainment of health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
“The challenge is to scale up with more resources (human), funding and support systems or infrastructures especially in far-flung areas. Innovations in drugs and vaccines to support treatment interventions for our key MDG-identified diseases such as HIV, Malaria, and TB are resource-heavy and equally compete for our scarce health budget.” he said.
Keynote speaker Dr. Reynaldo L. Garcia, Professor from the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the University of the Philippines Diliman, identified the challenges on diversifying drug discovery programs in the country.
“First, we always end up with drug-like compounds and then we don’t pursue them further. Second, researchers keep taking on “new projects” all the time and we never pursue our initial results. The third challenge is we don’t have expertise in lead optimization and we don’t have medicinal chemists.” he said.
As a take home message to the participants, Dr. Garcia stressed, “We need to diversify and scale up. We should be aware that the attrition rate is very high and many of the things we are working on right now are going to fail. The other thing is to plan what to do next, because obviously we would have drug candidates sooner than later and we have to know what to do with them. We should also strategize our drug discovery approach. We should consider partnering; it is about sharing the risk. Lastly, it is important to have a change in mindset. Be more innovative and be more commercial.”
In the panel discussion, experts highlighted the drug development situation in the Philippines in terms of clinical research, ethics, clinical trials regulation, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The panelists included Ms. Linda Grace Mendoza, President of the Philippine Clinical Research Professionals, Inc., Dr. Cecilia V. Tomas, Chair of the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) Subcommittee on Accreditation, Dr. Suzette Lazo, Director IV of the Food and Drug Administration, and Mr. Epifanio Rey Evasco, Director IV of the Bureau of Patents, Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.
The panel discussion was followed by two breakout sessions covering PCHRD-supported researches on infectious and non-infectious diseases. Session 1 tackled Dengue and Leptospirosis while Session 2 focused on Aging and Memory and Renal Disease. Rachel Ann Doreen D. Nadal, PCHRD
DOST employs S&T interventions to address malnutrition
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Project for Children has reported that malnutrition is associated with more than half of all less than 5 years old children’s deaths worldwide. According to the report, undernourished children are more likely to die from common childhood ailments - some will survive but have recurring sicknesses and growth problems.
The Philippines is not spared in this global endemic nutrition problem. In fact, the 2008 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that among 0-5 year old children, three out of 10 are underweight and under-height.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said that the increasing number of malnourished children in the Philippines is associated to poor feeding practices due to mother’s lack of knowledge or awareness on proper nutrition and sanitation, lack of access to potable water and severe poverty. “This served as basis for DOST to embark on a project entitled Science and Technology-based Interventions to Address Malnutrition dubbed as Sulong Pinoy Program - aimed to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among children not only in the cities but most especially in the remote and far flung communities in the provinces,” added Secretary Montejo.
“The program has three project components: production and technology transfer of the FNRI complementary snack foods; development of nutrition intervention strategy (DOST PINOY Model); and technology generation for the production of multi-nutrient growth mix,” said FNRI Director Dr. Mario Capanzana.
For the first component, the protein-rich food technologies developed by FNRI such as the Rice-Mongo blend, Rice-Mongo-Sesame, and Rice-Mongo Curls will be produced for the complementary feeding to address the nutrient deficiency among malnourished children. These technologies are also ready for commercialization to interested private entrepreneurs. The FNRI-DOST will provide technical assistance to Local Government Units (LGUs), Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and private organizations who are interested to produce these food products for livelihood purposes.
The second component of the program is the DOST PINOY Model, where PINOY stands for Package for the Improvement of Nutrition for Young Children. This component is a customized package of nutrition modules to empower the Barangays Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) in educating the mothers to practice breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding using the FNRI complementary food blends and snack foods.
“We feed the child simultaneously with their mother’s mind,” said Dr. Capanzana. “In this component, DOST will provide the supply of supplementary foods for 120-day feeding cycle to the initially identified 1000 (0-5) year old children from the nutritionally depressed communities of Iloilo, Leyte, Antique and Occidental Mindoro - the identified provinces with high prevalence of underweight children based on the 2008 National Nutrition Survey.”
The third component of the project is the undergoing R&D effort to fortify the food products (Rice-Mongo blend, Rice-Mongo-Sesame, and Rice-Mongo Curls) with Vitamin A, iron, iodine, zinc and folic acid. The project also aimed to produce a multi-nutrient growth mix using fruits and vegetables in a ready-to-use sachet that can be used to fortify the ordinary “lugaw” with vitamins and mineral and complement the protein and energy-dense blend formulation of the three introduced products as well.
“Along with the existing community-based nutrition education effort being implemented by various government agencies, non-government organizations and private organizations, malnutrition in the country would be lessened if not eliminated,” Dr. Capanzana added. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
The Philippines is not spared in this global endemic nutrition problem. In fact, the 2008 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that among 0-5 year old children, three out of 10 are underweight and under-height.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo said that the increasing number of malnourished children in the Philippines is associated to poor feeding practices due to mother’s lack of knowledge or awareness on proper nutrition and sanitation, lack of access to potable water and severe poverty. “This served as basis for DOST to embark on a project entitled Science and Technology-based Interventions to Address Malnutrition dubbed as Sulong Pinoy Program - aimed to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among children not only in the cities but most especially in the remote and far flung communities in the provinces,” added Secretary Montejo.
“The program has three project components: production and technology transfer of the FNRI complementary snack foods; development of nutrition intervention strategy (DOST PINOY Model); and technology generation for the production of multi-nutrient growth mix,” said FNRI Director Dr. Mario Capanzana.
For the first component, the protein-rich food technologies developed by FNRI such as the Rice-Mongo blend, Rice-Mongo-Sesame, and Rice-Mongo Curls will be produced for the complementary feeding to address the nutrient deficiency among malnourished children. These technologies are also ready for commercialization to interested private entrepreneurs. The FNRI-DOST will provide technical assistance to Local Government Units (LGUs), Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and private organizations who are interested to produce these food products for livelihood purposes.
The second component of the program is the DOST PINOY Model, where PINOY stands for Package for the Improvement of Nutrition for Young Children. This component is a customized package of nutrition modules to empower the Barangays Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) in educating the mothers to practice breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding using the FNRI complementary food blends and snack foods.
“We feed the child simultaneously with their mother’s mind,” said Dr. Capanzana. “In this component, DOST will provide the supply of supplementary foods for 120-day feeding cycle to the initially identified 1000 (0-5) year old children from the nutritionally depressed communities of Iloilo, Leyte, Antique and Occidental Mindoro - the identified provinces with high prevalence of underweight children based on the 2008 National Nutrition Survey.”
The third component of the project is the undergoing R&D effort to fortify the food products (Rice-Mongo blend, Rice-Mongo-Sesame, and Rice-Mongo Curls) with Vitamin A, iron, iodine, zinc and folic acid. The project also aimed to produce a multi-nutrient growth mix using fruits and vegetables in a ready-to-use sachet that can be used to fortify the ordinary “lugaw” with vitamins and mineral and complement the protein and energy-dense blend formulation of the three introduced products as well.
“Along with the existing community-based nutrition education effort being implemented by various government agencies, non-government organizations and private organizations, malnutrition in the country would be lessened if not eliminated,” Dr. Capanzana added. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Prisons Studied
“22 out of 1000 detainees tested positive for TB,” said Dr. Maridel Borja, professor in the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and principal investigator of the study Prevalence of Bacteriologically Confirmed Pulmonary Tuberculosis among Prisoners and Jail Officers in Selected Prisons in the Philippines.
The study aimed to determine the baseline magnitude of active tuberculosis (TB) in some prisons in the country, determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB, and determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices and behavioral intentions of inmates and jail officers regarding the deadly disease.
TB is a contagious disease that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or spits. If left untreated, a single person with active TB disease can infect an average of 10-15 people every year according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, “The infection rate is different in high population density areas like prisons, which is expected to be higher, compared to general population,” clarifies Dr. Borja. “That is why this study is very important not only for the implementers of TB prevention and control program in the country but also to the prisoners and jail officers to be aware whether they are already infected with the disease or not.”
Subjects of the study were randomly selected from Antipolo City Jail, Cebu City Jail, Correction Institution for Women, Davao City Jail, Manila City Jail, Metro Manila District Jail, and National Bilibid Prison.
Out of the 2,450 respondents, there were 1204 inmates that are TB suspects. “These are the respondents either symptomatic and/or had chest x-ray results suggestive of TB,” Dr. Borja explained. However, only twenty five among these suspects confirmed positive in the direct smear sputum test (DSSM).
The study also determined the prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB, where prisoners with DSSM and culture positive results are subjected to drug susceptibility test (DST) for Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Kanamycin, Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin.
Results showed that twenty two (73%) were sensitive to all drugs, three cases (10%) were multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), four cases (13%) were mono-resistant, one (3%) was poly-resistant, eight (27%) were resistant to at least one drug, while four (13%) were resistant to at least two drugs.
The study also noted that the majority of the respondents are not aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and exhibit attitudes such as stigmatism, fatalism and perceived inaccessibility of health care. Thus, the study recommends further campaign to increase awareness and knowledge among prisoners and jail officers about TB.
On the other hand, in order to minimize the incidence of TB transmission, the study recommends improving the jail facilities to lessen over-crowding and maintain the recommended number of inmates per cell.
The study suggests further to review the guidelines in discharging and releasing prisons with positive TB. “There should be an established referral system – where the currently under-medication prisoner-for-release would be referred to an outside facility to continue the treatment or medication. This also serves as preventive measure for the relatives, friends and neighbors not to get infected by the disease,” said Dr. Borja.
This study is a collaborative effort of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST), World Health Organization (WHO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Philippine Tuberculosis Society (PTS), Department of Health (DOH) and the College of Public Health University of the Philippines Manila (CPH-UPM). Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
The study aimed to determine the baseline magnitude of active tuberculosis (TB) in some prisons in the country, determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB, and determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices and behavioral intentions of inmates and jail officers regarding the deadly disease.
TB is a contagious disease that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or spits. If left untreated, a single person with active TB disease can infect an average of 10-15 people every year according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, “The infection rate is different in high population density areas like prisons, which is expected to be higher, compared to general population,” clarifies Dr. Borja. “That is why this study is very important not only for the implementers of TB prevention and control program in the country but also to the prisoners and jail officers to be aware whether they are already infected with the disease or not.”
Subjects of the study were randomly selected from Antipolo City Jail, Cebu City Jail, Correction Institution for Women, Davao City Jail, Manila City Jail, Metro Manila District Jail, and National Bilibid Prison.
Out of the 2,450 respondents, there were 1204 inmates that are TB suspects. “These are the respondents either symptomatic and/or had chest x-ray results suggestive of TB,” Dr. Borja explained. However, only twenty five among these suspects confirmed positive in the direct smear sputum test (DSSM).
The study also determined the prevalence of multi-drug resistant TB, where prisoners with DSSM and culture positive results are subjected to drug susceptibility test (DST) for Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Kanamycin, Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin.
Results showed that twenty two (73%) were sensitive to all drugs, three cases (10%) were multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), four cases (13%) were mono-resistant, one (3%) was poly-resistant, eight (27%) were resistant to at least one drug, while four (13%) were resistant to at least two drugs.
The study also noted that the majority of the respondents are not aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and exhibit attitudes such as stigmatism, fatalism and perceived inaccessibility of health care. Thus, the study recommends further campaign to increase awareness and knowledge among prisoners and jail officers about TB.
On the other hand, in order to minimize the incidence of TB transmission, the study recommends improving the jail facilities to lessen over-crowding and maintain the recommended number of inmates per cell.
The study suggests further to review the guidelines in discharging and releasing prisons with positive TB. “There should be an established referral system – where the currently under-medication prisoner-for-release would be referred to an outside facility to continue the treatment or medication. This also serves as preventive measure for the relatives, friends and neighbors not to get infected by the disease,” said Dr. Borja.
This study is a collaborative effort of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST), World Health Organization (WHO), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Philippine Tuberculosis Society (PTS), Department of Health (DOH) and the College of Public Health University of the Philippines Manila (CPH-UPM). Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
DOST-DOH ink partnership to strengthen healthcare programs in the country
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Health (DOH) ink partnership to strengthen healthcare delivery in the country through the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the national rollout of the ovicidal and larvicidal (OL) mosquito trap system for Aedes mosquito and the institutionalization of the National Telehealth Service Program (NTSP).
“This is just the first among the series of collaborations we have with the DOH,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo informed the media during the press conference following the MOU signing in Quezon City on 14 April 2011. “We are geared to prioritize the OL mosquito trap to address the increasing dengue cases that threatens the lives of our people, specially the children,” added Secretary Montejo.
In 2010, the Philippines experienced the worst outbreak of dengue, almost reaching the epidemic level.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona warned the public that the country may be witnessing a far worse outbreak this year because of the early dramatic peak in the number of cases recorded for the first two months of 2011. However, Secretary Ona said, the “DOST OL mosquito trap is a timely intervention that can help DOH campaign to control and reduce the dengue incidence in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Director of the Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) of DOST, Dr. Nuna Almanzor, has reported that the DOST and DOH regional directors are currently coordinating for the national roll-out of the OL mosquito trap. “In fact, there were seven Regions that have launched already. These are the Regions VIII, II, VI, VII, IX, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region X, while Region IV-B is scheduled to launch today in Palawan,” said Dr. Almanzor.
On the other hand, the institutionalization of the national telehealth service program is part of the strategy of the government to address universal healthcare using information and communication technology (ICT) in delivering healthcare especially to remote and underserved areas.
The program aims to widen the healthcare services of the government by reaching the remote and far-flung communities characterized as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) through the NTSP.
One of the medical devices in NTSP is the RxBox, a computer system that can be used to measure the patient’s heart rate, Electrocardiograph (ECG), pulse rate and blood oxygenation. It stores data and send via wired or wireless network. The machine also has a probe camera to capture and send images of the patient’s body parts for examination while the video conferencing feature enables doctors from different locations to consult each other for medical diagnosis purposes.
“This technology is intended to respond to the healthcare needs of the people who have no adequate access to quality health professionals and facilities. As of today, there are machines already deployed for field testing and communication protocols system enhancement,” said Secretary Montejo.
Secretary Montejo further declared that these projects proved that the government is serious in upgrading its capabilities in providing effective yet affordable healthcare services for the Filipino people. “That is why we, at the science community, are continuously looking for possibilities to meet today’s challenges through research and development (R&D). I know we still have a long way to go, but I’m proud to say that we are on the right track.” Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
“This is just the first among the series of collaborations we have with the DOH,” DOST Secretary Mario Montejo informed the media during the press conference following the MOU signing in Quezon City on 14 April 2011. “We are geared to prioritize the OL mosquito trap to address the increasing dengue cases that threatens the lives of our people, specially the children,” added Secretary Montejo.
In 2010, the Philippines experienced the worst outbreak of dengue, almost reaching the epidemic level.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona warned the public that the country may be witnessing a far worse outbreak this year because of the early dramatic peak in the number of cases recorded for the first two months of 2011. However, Secretary Ona said, the “DOST OL mosquito trap is a timely intervention that can help DOH campaign to control and reduce the dengue incidence in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Director of the Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) of DOST, Dr. Nuna Almanzor, has reported that the DOST and DOH regional directors are currently coordinating for the national roll-out of the OL mosquito trap. “In fact, there were seven Regions that have launched already. These are the Regions VIII, II, VI, VII, IX, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region X, while Region IV-B is scheduled to launch today in Palawan,” said Dr. Almanzor.
On the other hand, the institutionalization of the national telehealth service program is part of the strategy of the government to address universal healthcare using information and communication technology (ICT) in delivering healthcare especially to remote and underserved areas.
The program aims to widen the healthcare services of the government by reaching the remote and far-flung communities characterized as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) through the NTSP.
One of the medical devices in NTSP is the RxBox, a computer system that can be used to measure the patient’s heart rate, Electrocardiograph (ECG), pulse rate and blood oxygenation. It stores data and send via wired or wireless network. The machine also has a probe camera to capture and send images of the patient’s body parts for examination while the video conferencing feature enables doctors from different locations to consult each other for medical diagnosis purposes.
“This technology is intended to respond to the healthcare needs of the people who have no adequate access to quality health professionals and facilities. As of today, there are machines already deployed for field testing and communication protocols system enhancement,” said Secretary Montejo.
Secretary Montejo further declared that these projects proved that the government is serious in upgrading its capabilities in providing effective yet affordable healthcare services for the Filipino people. “That is why we, at the science community, are continuously looking for possibilities to meet today’s challenges through research and development (R&D). I know we still have a long way to go, but I’m proud to say that we are on the right track.” Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Experts to conduct studies on the effects of shift-work to Filipino workers
Studies show evidences that shift-work or working on shift hours has implications to workers’ well-being or health.
According to the study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), working on shift hours may increase the risks of psychosomatic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, gastroduodenitis, and peptic ulcer), cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, ischaemic heart diseases) and even cancer among shift-workers.
“This may be explained by the disruption of the circadian system that is caused by exposure to light at night that can alter sleep-activity patterns, suppress melatonin production, and deregulate genes involved in tumor development,” the IARC study further cited.
The human body is synchronized to a night and day pattern known as circadian or the body’s endogenous “biological” clock. This is a certain part of the brain that monitors the amount of light entering the body from time to time.
In the evening, when the light starts to wane, the body clock notices and prompts a flood of brain chemicals called melatonin, and signals the body to fall asleep. Overnight, melatonin levels remain high and drop at daybreak and remain low during the day.
At daytime, chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as noradrenaline and acetylcholine increase and keep the body awake. This system keeps the body synchronized affecting some body functions including temperature, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure.
Another study conducted by the School of Medicine and the Veterans Affair Healthcare System (SMVAHS) at the University of California has reported that continuous distracted sleeping pattern will lead to sleep deprivation that might adversely affect the brain and cognitive functions.
“Shift-work is not a new concept among Filipinos,” said Professor Gayline F. Manalang of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila during the 3rd PhilSHIFT colloquium held in UP Manila. “It is already been a practice in health care and manufacturing industries. However, this time, public awareness focuses on the call center industry or the business process outsourcing (BPO) industries in the Philippines because of the increasing number of individuals it employ, the encouragement the industry received from the government and its economic impact to the country. Given the alleged health related risks of shift-works to shift workers, this would be an aspect of interest begging for study.”
According to Professor Maria Eliza Ruiz Aguila from the College of Allied Medical Professions of UP Manila, “It is important to conduct a locally designed study to determine the chronotype of the Filipinos, that through research, we can devise strategies to take advantage of inter-individual variability on chronotype to improve the individual’s well being, performance and productivity without increasing the health risks.”
Professors Manalang and Aguila are both members of PhilSHIFT, a group of experts in the Philippines undergoing studies on the effects of shift-work to the health and wellness of shift-working Filipinos.
The PhilSHIFT is an interdisciplinary group that brings together the researchers from the College of Allied Medical Professions, College of Public Health and College of Medicine of the UP Manila and the Munich Institute of Medical Psychology of the Ludwig Maximillians University in Germany.
PhilSHIFT is currently populating a database on chronotypes of non-shift workers in the Philippines through an online survey using the Philippine Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (http://www.bioinfo.mpg.de/thewep/). This questionnaire is derived from the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) and specifically tailored for Filipinos.
The information that will be gathered from the online survey will be the basis of the succeeding stages of the PhilSHIFT researches and will be used to investigate the characteristics of the circadian clock of shift workers in the Philippines. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
According to the study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), working on shift hours may increase the risks of psychosomatic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (colitis, gastroduodenitis, and peptic ulcer), cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, ischaemic heart diseases) and even cancer among shift-workers.
“This may be explained by the disruption of the circadian system that is caused by exposure to light at night that can alter sleep-activity patterns, suppress melatonin production, and deregulate genes involved in tumor development,” the IARC study further cited.
The human body is synchronized to a night and day pattern known as circadian or the body’s endogenous “biological” clock. This is a certain part of the brain that monitors the amount of light entering the body from time to time.
In the evening, when the light starts to wane, the body clock notices and prompts a flood of brain chemicals called melatonin, and signals the body to fall asleep. Overnight, melatonin levels remain high and drop at daybreak and remain low during the day.
At daytime, chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as noradrenaline and acetylcholine increase and keep the body awake. This system keeps the body synchronized affecting some body functions including temperature, digestion, heart rate and blood pressure.
Another study conducted by the School of Medicine and the Veterans Affair Healthcare System (SMVAHS) at the University of California has reported that continuous distracted sleeping pattern will lead to sleep deprivation that might adversely affect the brain and cognitive functions.
“Shift-work is not a new concept among Filipinos,” said Professor Gayline F. Manalang of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila during the 3rd PhilSHIFT colloquium held in UP Manila. “It is already been a practice in health care and manufacturing industries. However, this time, public awareness focuses on the call center industry or the business process outsourcing (BPO) industries in the Philippines because of the increasing number of individuals it employ, the encouragement the industry received from the government and its economic impact to the country. Given the alleged health related risks of shift-works to shift workers, this would be an aspect of interest begging for study.”
According to Professor Maria Eliza Ruiz Aguila from the College of Allied Medical Professions of UP Manila, “It is important to conduct a locally designed study to determine the chronotype of the Filipinos, that through research, we can devise strategies to take advantage of inter-individual variability on chronotype to improve the individual’s well being, performance and productivity without increasing the health risks.”
Professors Manalang and Aguila are both members of PhilSHIFT, a group of experts in the Philippines undergoing studies on the effects of shift-work to the health and wellness of shift-working Filipinos.
The PhilSHIFT is an interdisciplinary group that brings together the researchers from the College of Allied Medical Professions, College of Public Health and College of Medicine of the UP Manila and the Munich Institute of Medical Psychology of the Ludwig Maximillians University in Germany.
PhilSHIFT is currently populating a database on chronotypes of non-shift workers in the Philippines through an online survey using the Philippine Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (http://www.bioinfo.mpg.de/thewep/). This questionnaire is derived from the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) and specifically tailored for Filipinos.
The information that will be gathered from the online survey will be the basis of the succeeding stages of the PhilSHIFT researches and will be used to investigate the characteristics of the circadian clock of shift workers in the Philippines. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Government agencies, allies to bring dengue cases down in Bicol Region
“Stop dengue now!” is the government’s battle cry in the advocacy to combat the dreadful dengue disease. In the Bicol Region the same cry was heard during the launching of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ovicidal/Larvicidal (OL) mosquito trap at Legazpi City, Albay last 7 July 2011.
The program commenced with a one-hour motorcade around Legazpi City. “This is part of our strategies of introducing our project to the public,” said DOST-V Regional Director Tomas Briñas who strongly believes that community participation is the key ingredient of success in a program like dengue prevention and control. “The community is our main partner here. We need their participation to ensure the success of this project,” said Director Briñas.
Aside from the community, Director Briñas also emphasized the importance of partnerships with other agencies. “We involve other agencies which we believe can contribute in one way or another to the success of the project. The Department of Health – Center for Health and Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD), for instance, have identified the areas where the OL trap system will be deployed. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), on the other hand, created a memorandum order to all Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, obliging them to be part of the advocacy.”
Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Carmen Rosal is optimistic of the government’s effort against dengue. In her welcome message, Mayor Rosal expressed her full support in addressing the dengue problem in Legazpi. “Through this partnership, we can surely bring down the number of children being infected with dengue and prevent its spread in the community.”
The highlight of the event was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the pledge of commitment among government agencies to forge strong partnerships and undertake collaborative efforts, pool resources and expertise towards peaceful, safe, healthy and empowered communities - leading to improved quality of life among Bicolanos.
An orientation and training session for OL mosquito trap system followed the signing ceremony. This was attended by the city health officers, barangay health workers, barangay officials, and beneficiaries from the communities.
The selected communities for OL trap distribution were the cities and municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Legazpi and Polangui for Albay; Daet, Labo and Sta. Elena for Camarines Norte; Camaligan, Canaman, Libmanan, Naga and Pamplona for Camarines Sur; City of Virac for Catanduanes; Masbate City for Masbate; and the cities and municipalities of Bulan, Castilla, Donsol, Magallanes, and Sorsogon for the province of Sorsogon. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
The program commenced with a one-hour motorcade around Legazpi City. “This is part of our strategies of introducing our project to the public,” said DOST-V Regional Director Tomas Briñas who strongly believes that community participation is the key ingredient of success in a program like dengue prevention and control. “The community is our main partner here. We need their participation to ensure the success of this project,” said Director Briñas.
Aside from the community, Director Briñas also emphasized the importance of partnerships with other agencies. “We involve other agencies which we believe can contribute in one way or another to the success of the project. The Department of Health – Center for Health and Development in Bicol (DOH-CHD), for instance, have identified the areas where the OL trap system will be deployed. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), on the other hand, created a memorandum order to all Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, obliging them to be part of the advocacy.”
Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Carmen Rosal is optimistic of the government’s effort against dengue. In her welcome message, Mayor Rosal expressed her full support in addressing the dengue problem in Legazpi. “Through this partnership, we can surely bring down the number of children being infected with dengue and prevent its spread in the community.”
The highlight of the event was the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the pledge of commitment among government agencies to forge strong partnerships and undertake collaborative efforts, pool resources and expertise towards peaceful, safe, healthy and empowered communities - leading to improved quality of life among Bicolanos.
An orientation and training session for OL mosquito trap system followed the signing ceremony. This was attended by the city health officers, barangay health workers, barangay officials, and beneficiaries from the communities.
The selected communities for OL trap distribution were the cities and municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Legazpi and Polangui for Albay; Daet, Labo and Sta. Elena for Camarines Norte; Camaligan, Canaman, Libmanan, Naga and Pamplona for Camarines Sur; City of Virac for Catanduanes; Masbate City for Masbate; and the cities and municipalities of Bulan, Castilla, Donsol, Magallanes, and Sorsogon for the province of Sorsogon. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
First ASEAN Dengue Day promotes DOST OL mosquito trap
Dengue is a dreadful disease and considered as one of the fastest-emerging infections in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes nearly 50 million infections every year worldwide.
The disease is generally found in the tropical and subtropical areas. This explains why Asia Pacific bears 75% of the current global dengue disease burden (WHO).
As a response, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) collaborated and agreed to make a unified effort against the dreadful disease. One of the ASEAN strategies is to increase public awareness through celebration of ASEAN Dengue Day. The idea was affirmed during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministries Meeting held in Singapore on 22 July 2010 when 15th day of June was declared as ASEAN Dengue day.
The first ASEAN Dengue Day was celebrated on 15 June 2011 at the regional level in Jakarta, Indonesia, with simultaneous celebration held in all ASEAN-member countries.
In the Philippines, the celebration was headed by the Department of Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepED), Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas and the City Government of Caloocan. With the theme: “Eskwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke, at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama Nating Sugpuin ang Dengue. Sa Sama-samang Pagkilos, Dengue ay Matetepok,” the celebration was held at the Gregoria De Jesus Elementary School, Poblacion District in Caloocan City.
During the ceremony, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona urged top government officials and leaders of the country’s public schools, churches, barangays and public markets to become advocates in the fight against the disease.
“Let us participate in the 4S advocacy,” said Dr. Ona. “The first S means Search and Destroy possible breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes. Second S is to employ self protective measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants or using mosquito repellant. Third, seek early consultation or see your doctor for immediate diagnosis or treatment of the disease. The last S is say no to indiscriminate fogging.”
Dr. Ona also encouraged the community to use the DOST OL mosquito trap, a low-cost yet effective device designed to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting and killing their eggs in a simple but effective science-based system. During the caravan, Dr. Ona demonstrated the use of the device and showed the barangay officials where to place OL mosquito trap inside the house. The team also distributed OL mosquito traps in Barangay Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City.
Also in attendance was the Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of DOST, Dr. Jaime Montoya, who updated the public on the status of the national rollout of the DOST Ovicidal/Larvicidal mosquito trap. “The DOST and DOH have already distributed OL mosquito traps to the high risk areas in the country, in cooperation with the DOH and DOST Regional Offices and local government units. We are very hopeful that with this simple technology plus the support and cooperation of the community, we can make science do great things for our country.”
He also emphasized the significance of information dissemination as key ingredient of success in dengue prevention and control. “It is really crucial for our people to know that they can do something to stop the spread of dengue. By making dengue everybody’s concern, we will surely be successful in our advocacy to combat this dreadful disease,” Dr. Montoya said. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
The disease is generally found in the tropical and subtropical areas. This explains why Asia Pacific bears 75% of the current global dengue disease burden (WHO).
As a response, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) collaborated and agreed to make a unified effort against the dreadful disease. One of the ASEAN strategies is to increase public awareness through celebration of ASEAN Dengue Day. The idea was affirmed during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministries Meeting held in Singapore on 22 July 2010 when 15th day of June was declared as ASEAN Dengue day.
The first ASEAN Dengue Day was celebrated on 15 June 2011 at the regional level in Jakarta, Indonesia, with simultaneous celebration held in all ASEAN-member countries.
In the Philippines, the celebration was headed by the Department of Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepED), Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas and the City Government of Caloocan. With the theme: “Eskwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke, at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama Nating Sugpuin ang Dengue. Sa Sama-samang Pagkilos, Dengue ay Matetepok,” the celebration was held at the Gregoria De Jesus Elementary School, Poblacion District in Caloocan City.
During the ceremony, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona urged top government officials and leaders of the country’s public schools, churches, barangays and public markets to become advocates in the fight against the disease.
“Let us participate in the 4S advocacy,” said Dr. Ona. “The first S means Search and Destroy possible breeding places of dengue-causing mosquitoes. Second S is to employ self protective measures such as wearing long sleeves and pants or using mosquito repellant. Third, seek early consultation or see your doctor for immediate diagnosis or treatment of the disease. The last S is say no to indiscriminate fogging.”
Dr. Ona also encouraged the community to use the DOST OL mosquito trap, a low-cost yet effective device designed to reduce the population of the dengue-carrying “Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus” mosquitoes by attracting and killing their eggs in a simple but effective science-based system. During the caravan, Dr. Ona demonstrated the use of the device and showed the barangay officials where to place OL mosquito trap inside the house. The team also distributed OL mosquito traps in Barangay Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City.
Also in attendance was the Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of DOST, Dr. Jaime Montoya, who updated the public on the status of the national rollout of the DOST Ovicidal/Larvicidal mosquito trap. “The DOST and DOH have already distributed OL mosquito traps to the high risk areas in the country, in cooperation with the DOH and DOST Regional Offices and local government units. We are very hopeful that with this simple technology plus the support and cooperation of the community, we can make science do great things for our country.”
He also emphasized the significance of information dissemination as key ingredient of success in dengue prevention and control. “It is really crucial for our people to know that they can do something to stop the spread of dengue. By making dengue everybody’s concern, we will surely be successful in our advocacy to combat this dreadful disease,” Dr. Montoya said. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
UP-DOST telemedicine project discovers rare skin disease in Mindanao tribe
“A dermatologist may not see this disease in his/her lifetime.” This is how Dr. Belen Dofitas, dermatologist of the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), describes Tinea imbricata, a disease found infecting a tribe in Kiamba, Sarangani Province in Mindanao through the telemedicine project of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) and the University of the Philippines National Telehealth Center (UP-NThC).
Tinea imbricata, also known as Tokelau ringworm, is an uncommon superficial fungal infection caused by Trichophyton concentricum. The disease is characterized by the formation of patches that are concentrically arranged, imbricated and known for its scaly rings and skin exfoliation.
“The disease is relatively rare. There are reports in scientific journals but only few around the world,” said Dr. Dofitas in an interview. In the history of dermatology in the Philippines, only three cases were reported - one in 1789 in Mindanao, another in 1962 in Mindoro and another in 1990, also in Mindanao. In all three cases, the disease occurred in ethnic and tribal groups.
“It was my first encounter with the disease and I have no idea about it,” said Dr. Lemuel Non, Municipal Health Officer and Doctor-to-the-Barrio (DTTB) of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, who found the disease on a walk-in patient in Kiamba Municipal Health Center. “What I did was, I photographed the infected part of the body of the patient, together with my initial assessment and forwarded it to the NThC via text messaging (SMS) and multimedia message (MMS) for evaluation and verification of the disease. It so happens that the municipality of Kiamba is one of the pilot sites of the UP-DOST telemedicine program.”
Telemedicine is an interactive audiovisual media that uses telecommunication and information technologies for the delivery of clinical care. It can be used for consultations, examinations and other remote medical procedures specifically designed to provide better health care services in the far-flung communities or the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), where specialized medical experts are unavailable.
According to Mr. Sid Cardenas, technical staff from NThC, “when the assigned doctor does not know or is not sure what to do with the encountered disease/s in the field (particularly on specialist-specific diseases), this is where telemedicine helps.” The doctor forwards its initial assessment to the NThC servers through SMS, MMS or email. The report will be channeled to the telemedicine domain experts for diagnosis or management, and findings will be sent back to the doctor in remote site.
With the help of the UP-DOST telemedicine project, Dr. Non in Kiamba, Sarangani Province received relevant information from Dr. Dofitas in UP-PGH to properly handle the Tinea imbricata disease.
Beyond telemedicine
Since Tinea imbricata is a special case, the NThC technical staff together with the UP-PGH experts visited the municipality of Kiamba to conduct a follow-up health mission. “There may be other cases existing in the community. That is why we really need to go up there to find out the real situation of the tribe,” said Dr. Dofitas. “It is possible that some of their family members are also infected with the disease. Aside from that, we need to know how the community treats the disease and their perception about it.”
In cooperation with the local government of Kiamba, members of the tribe were invited for free medical consultations. “Because the tribe perceived that the disease is incurable, they were initially reluctant to be examined by the medical team. However, after learning that some of their members were successfully treated, the tribe was, eventually convinced,” said Dr. Dofitas. There were twenty eight individuals found infected with the rare disease.
“We also introduced “akapulko” for the treatment of the disease.” Akapulko is an indigenous herbal medicine abundant in the community that is found effective in curing skin diseases including Tinea imbricata.
Aside from medical consultations, the team also conducted information dissemination campaigns to increase the community’s awareness on the disease. “This is very important to change their mindset, to make them realize that the disease is curable,” said Dr. Dofitas.
Telemedicine project defies distance and lack of medical experts
According to the UP Manila - National Institutes of Health, 60 percent of Filipinos die without seeing a doctor. This may be due to the fact that being an archipelagic country, distribution of health care services could be a quite challenge.
“In an archipelagic country like the Philippines, telemedicine is an advantage to bring health care services in isolated and poor, underserved communities. It is a medical option that bridges “doctor-patient” geographical separation. Aside from that, it addresses the problem of lack of deployed experts in areas with high risks of diseases like Sarangani Province. That is why telemedicine is very important and should be incorporated in our health system,” said Dr. Dofitas.
She also emphasized that telemedicine has an important role in the continuing education of doctors, caregivers, and patients, and cuts the often high cost of travel and stay in nursing homes or hospitals through the efficient referral system among hospital experts anywhere in the country. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Tinea imbricata, also known as Tokelau ringworm, is an uncommon superficial fungal infection caused by Trichophyton concentricum. The disease is characterized by the formation of patches that are concentrically arranged, imbricated and known for its scaly rings and skin exfoliation.
“The disease is relatively rare. There are reports in scientific journals but only few around the world,” said Dr. Dofitas in an interview. In the history of dermatology in the Philippines, only three cases were reported - one in 1789 in Mindanao, another in 1962 in Mindoro and another in 1990, also in Mindanao. In all three cases, the disease occurred in ethnic and tribal groups.
“It was my first encounter with the disease and I have no idea about it,” said Dr. Lemuel Non, Municipal Health Officer and Doctor-to-the-Barrio (DTTB) of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, who found the disease on a walk-in patient in Kiamba Municipal Health Center. “What I did was, I photographed the infected part of the body of the patient, together with my initial assessment and forwarded it to the NThC via text messaging (SMS) and multimedia message (MMS) for evaluation and verification of the disease. It so happens that the municipality of Kiamba is one of the pilot sites of the UP-DOST telemedicine program.”
Telemedicine is an interactive audiovisual media that uses telecommunication and information technologies for the delivery of clinical care. It can be used for consultations, examinations and other remote medical procedures specifically designed to provide better health care services in the far-flung communities or the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), where specialized medical experts are unavailable.
According to Mr. Sid Cardenas, technical staff from NThC, “when the assigned doctor does not know or is not sure what to do with the encountered disease/s in the field (particularly on specialist-specific diseases), this is where telemedicine helps.” The doctor forwards its initial assessment to the NThC servers through SMS, MMS or email. The report will be channeled to the telemedicine domain experts for diagnosis or management, and findings will be sent back to the doctor in remote site.
With the help of the UP-DOST telemedicine project, Dr. Non in Kiamba, Sarangani Province received relevant information from Dr. Dofitas in UP-PGH to properly handle the Tinea imbricata disease.
Beyond telemedicine
Since Tinea imbricata is a special case, the NThC technical staff together with the UP-PGH experts visited the municipality of Kiamba to conduct a follow-up health mission. “There may be other cases existing in the community. That is why we really need to go up there to find out the real situation of the tribe,” said Dr. Dofitas. “It is possible that some of their family members are also infected with the disease. Aside from that, we need to know how the community treats the disease and their perception about it.”
In cooperation with the local government of Kiamba, members of the tribe were invited for free medical consultations. “Because the tribe perceived that the disease is incurable, they were initially reluctant to be examined by the medical team. However, after learning that some of their members were successfully treated, the tribe was, eventually convinced,” said Dr. Dofitas. There were twenty eight individuals found infected with the rare disease.
“We also introduced “akapulko” for the treatment of the disease.” Akapulko is an indigenous herbal medicine abundant in the community that is found effective in curing skin diseases including Tinea imbricata.
Aside from medical consultations, the team also conducted information dissemination campaigns to increase the community’s awareness on the disease. “This is very important to change their mindset, to make them realize that the disease is curable,” said Dr. Dofitas.
Telemedicine project defies distance and lack of medical experts
According to the UP Manila - National Institutes of Health, 60 percent of Filipinos die without seeing a doctor. This may be due to the fact that being an archipelagic country, distribution of health care services could be a quite challenge.
“In an archipelagic country like the Philippines, telemedicine is an advantage to bring health care services in isolated and poor, underserved communities. It is a medical option that bridges “doctor-patient” geographical separation. Aside from that, it addresses the problem of lack of deployed experts in areas with high risks of diseases like Sarangani Province. That is why telemedicine is very important and should be incorporated in our health system,” said Dr. Dofitas.
She also emphasized that telemedicine has an important role in the continuing education of doctors, caregivers, and patients, and cuts the often high cost of travel and stay in nursing homes or hospitals through the efficient referral system among hospital experts anywhere in the country. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Intensify campaign on anti-rabies law awareness, study says
“There is a need to intensify the information campaign on anti-rabies to increase public awareness especially in areas with high rabies incidence” said Dr. Roberto M. Macatuggal, Director for Research and Planning, La Salette University, Santiago City in an interview about his study on the Anti-Rabies Campaign in Cagayan and Isabela.
Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can be transmitted to human through bites of infected animals (usually dogs). It is a fatal disease, killing more than 55,000 people every year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that rabies causes 200-300 deaths among Filipinos every year.
In Cagayan Valley alone, more than 8000 animal-bite related incidence are recorded in 2006, with 27 deaths. “These are the reported cases only. There maybe unreported cases because of ignorance or lack of awareness on rabies in the community,” said Dr. Macatuggal.
The study was conducted in the municipalities of Tuao and Claveria in the province of Cagayan, San Pablo and Ilagan in the province of Isabela, aimed to determine the extent of knowledge of the community on the nature of symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment, prevention and control, socio-cultural practices affecting the anti-rabies campaign as well as the nature and extent of involvement of the local government unit (LGU) and other institution within the community.
Results of the study showed that though some of the respondents are aware of the signs and symptoms of rabies, there is evident misconception on nature of the disease. Sixty percent (60%) of the respondents from Claveria, Cagayan believed that rabies is caused by venom (similar to snakebites). The same results were gathered from Ilagan, Isabela (40%), Tuao, Cagayan (40%) and San Pablo, Isabela (20%). “This might be the reason why the community resorts to an alternative practice called “tandok” (cultural practice to suck the venom out of the body using spared horn of animal as an instrument). This is what they do for snake bites,” said Dr. Macatuggal.
Most of the respondents also agreed that rabies is fatal and that the victim should be brought to the hospital and needs to be treated with anti-rabies vaccine. However, the notion of buying expensive medicines and availing costly health care services in the hospitals and other health facilities make the respondents hesitant to seek treatment.
The practice of eating dog’s meat as an antidote to rabies is now slowly being abandoned. However, respondents claimed that dog’s meat is still served as delicacy in some of the restaurants and eateries in the provinces.
Confining or leashing a dog is still not widely practiced in the provinces. “In fact, astray dogs are usual scenery in the respondents’ communities.” Though respondents agree that a dog should be immunized, most of them are generally undecided on what should be done to a rabid dog.
In conclusion, Dr. Macatuggal’s study emphasized the importance of continuously educating the community to further increase their awareness not only on the nature, symptoms, prevention and control of rabies but also on the provisions of the anti-rabies law as well as the guidelines for responsible pet ownership. “Because the more the community are exposed to information about rabies, the lesser they become vulnerable to the disease,” said Dr. Macatuggal.
Meanwhile, the study also determined the extent or nature of involvement of LGUs in the anti-rabies campaign. Results showed that though LGU adopted the law, there is no strict implementation and monitoring in the communities. Information dissemination was weak as well.
Dr. Leonilo Resontoc, Vice Chair and National Coordinator for Rabies Prevention and Control Taskforce of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) also agreed that not all LGUs are supportive of the program. “We implement as to what the law required us to do. We conduct immunization, we disseminate information, but we can’t do it all alone. The role of LGUs is actually invaluable, when it comes to implementation and sustainability of the program,” said Dr. Resontoc.
Pet owners should also be encouraged to visit their local municipalities to avail the free anti-rabies immunization for dogs, according to Dr. Resontoc. “Do not let pets roam in the streets to avoid contact with potentially rabid animals and educate the children about the dangers of approaching and touching stray animals, especially cats and dogs.”
The study, Anti-Rabies Campaign in Cagayan and Isabela: An Assessment, is a supported project of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST). Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can be transmitted to human through bites of infected animals (usually dogs). It is a fatal disease, killing more than 55,000 people every year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that rabies causes 200-300 deaths among Filipinos every year.
In Cagayan Valley alone, more than 8000 animal-bite related incidence are recorded in 2006, with 27 deaths. “These are the reported cases only. There maybe unreported cases because of ignorance or lack of awareness on rabies in the community,” said Dr. Macatuggal.
The study was conducted in the municipalities of Tuao and Claveria in the province of Cagayan, San Pablo and Ilagan in the province of Isabela, aimed to determine the extent of knowledge of the community on the nature of symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment, prevention and control, socio-cultural practices affecting the anti-rabies campaign as well as the nature and extent of involvement of the local government unit (LGU) and other institution within the community.
Results of the study showed that though some of the respondents are aware of the signs and symptoms of rabies, there is evident misconception on nature of the disease. Sixty percent (60%) of the respondents from Claveria, Cagayan believed that rabies is caused by venom (similar to snakebites). The same results were gathered from Ilagan, Isabela (40%), Tuao, Cagayan (40%) and San Pablo, Isabela (20%). “This might be the reason why the community resorts to an alternative practice called “tandok” (cultural practice to suck the venom out of the body using spared horn of animal as an instrument). This is what they do for snake bites,” said Dr. Macatuggal.
Most of the respondents also agreed that rabies is fatal and that the victim should be brought to the hospital and needs to be treated with anti-rabies vaccine. However, the notion of buying expensive medicines and availing costly health care services in the hospitals and other health facilities make the respondents hesitant to seek treatment.
The practice of eating dog’s meat as an antidote to rabies is now slowly being abandoned. However, respondents claimed that dog’s meat is still served as delicacy in some of the restaurants and eateries in the provinces.
Confining or leashing a dog is still not widely practiced in the provinces. “In fact, astray dogs are usual scenery in the respondents’ communities.” Though respondents agree that a dog should be immunized, most of them are generally undecided on what should be done to a rabid dog.
In conclusion, Dr. Macatuggal’s study emphasized the importance of continuously educating the community to further increase their awareness not only on the nature, symptoms, prevention and control of rabies but also on the provisions of the anti-rabies law as well as the guidelines for responsible pet ownership. “Because the more the community are exposed to information about rabies, the lesser they become vulnerable to the disease,” said Dr. Macatuggal.
Meanwhile, the study also determined the extent or nature of involvement of LGUs in the anti-rabies campaign. Results showed that though LGU adopted the law, there is no strict implementation and monitoring in the communities. Information dissemination was weak as well.
Dr. Leonilo Resontoc, Vice Chair and National Coordinator for Rabies Prevention and Control Taskforce of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) also agreed that not all LGUs are supportive of the program. “We implement as to what the law required us to do. We conduct immunization, we disseminate information, but we can’t do it all alone. The role of LGUs is actually invaluable, when it comes to implementation and sustainability of the program,” said Dr. Resontoc.
Pet owners should also be encouraged to visit their local municipalities to avail the free anti-rabies immunization for dogs, according to Dr. Resontoc. “Do not let pets roam in the streets to avoid contact with potentially rabid animals and educate the children about the dangers of approaching and touching stray animals, especially cats and dogs.”
The study, Anti-Rabies Campaign in Cagayan and Isabela: An Assessment, is a supported project of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST). Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
Saturday, May 28, 2011
DOH Statement Regarding the Delayed Stipend of Nurses under the RN Heals Program
Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag today assured that the nurses deployed under the Department of Health’s Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN Heals) will receive their stipends within this week.
Tayag explained that the DOH has fast-tracked the requirements necessary for the release of the funds earmarked for RN Heals. He also apologized to the RN Heals nurses for their delayed monthly stipend and guaranteed them that for the succeeding months, they shall be paid on time.
RN Heals seeks to make essential health services available to all Filipinos by training and deploying 10,000 unemployed nurses in communities identified by the DOH in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD).
While on deployment, the nurses will be given an allowance of P8,000 a month by the DOH while the local government unit (LGU) where they are assigned shall supervise them, ensure their safety and security, and provide modest board and lodging. Likewise, LGUs were encouraged to provide additional allowances and benefits worth at least P2,000 for these nurses. -30- DOH
FDA: FOOD PRODUCTS FROM TAIWAN BEING MONITORED
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director Suzette H. Lazo, MD today assured the public that food products and food additives imported from Taiwan are being monitored after the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) informed the Philippine government of possible contamination of Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).
Widely used as a plasticizer in the manufacturing of articles such as intravenous bags and tubings, blood bags and infusion tubings and nasogastric tubes, DEHP was found to be illegally added to a food product raw material intended for emulsification. While low doses of DEHP are generally safe, high doses or prolonged exposure can have harmful effects. Children are especially prone to the harmful effects of high doses of DEHP or to repeated exposure which can lead to testicular effects, fertility problems and toxicity to kidneys.
The Taiwan government has informed the Department of Health that a company may have imported food products containing additives contaminated by DEHP to the Philippines. Efforts to trace local counterpart of this company are currently in progress. -30- DOH
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