Davao City Health Office Urges City Council to Update Dengue Prevention Rules

The City Health Office (CHO) in Davao City is urging the Sangguniang Panlungsod to amend City Ordinance No. 0401-20 to address the low compliance of barangays in creating their own Barangay Mosquito-Borne Viral Disease Task Forces (BMDTF). The ordinance was passed in 2020 to help prevent dengue by requiring barangays to establish their BMDTFs and penalize residents with mosquito breeding sites. However, only 58 out of 182 barangays have complied, prompting the CHO to push for amendments and penalties for non-compliant barangays.

According to the ordinance, the goal is to protect the health of the people through a barangay-based approach to eliminate mosquito-borne diseases. The Punong Barangay is responsible for organizing the BMDTF and implementing prevention programs. Despite a decrease in dengue cases, stricter enforcement in barangays is deemed necessary.

Prohibited acts under the ordinance include storing items that can become mosquito breeding sites and failing to maintain proper sanitation. Violators face fines and community service. While these measures may not drastically reduce dengue cases, they contribute to prevention efforts.

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, presents symptoms like high fever, joint pain, skin rashes, and abdominal issues. The World Health Organization recognizes multiple serotypes of the dengue virus. It is crucial for communities to work together to combat this disease.

According to the source: MindaNews.