By Trisha Casabar
The Department of Health (DOH) celebrated Dengue Awareness Month with “Takbo Kontra Lamok” on Sunday, June 25, an initiative to raise awareness on dengue and encourage active lifestyle among Filipinos.
The fun run event with different activity booths was organized in collaboration with the Metro Manila Center for Health Development and the Pasig City Local Government Unit (LGU).
“Kung Mayroon tayong take-home dito sa fun run, ito sana ang 5S: Search and destroy, Self Protection Measures, Seek Early Consultation, Support Fogging in Hotspot Areas; and Sustain Hydration na makakatulong din sa pag-raise ng awareness against dengue,” DOH ASec. Beverly Ho said.
More than 400 runners participated in the event.
Prizes were awarded to the top finishers in the male and female categories, while other runners received certificates and medals.
This initiative was aligned with the DOH’s mission to address dengue cases in the Philippines.
According to the data provided by the DOH, as of May 13, a total of 48,109 dengue cases were reported in epidemiological week 19. This represents a 38% increase compared to the same period in 2022 with 34,963 cases.
From January 1 to May 13, 176 deaths were reported, a lower number than the 203 deaths during the same period in 2022.
The DOH expressed gratitude for the support on the dengue campaign. “Muli maraming salamat sa inyong suporta para sa ating kampanya laban sa dengue. We can beat dengue through our community actions.” –ag
