by: MARIE SHANE KRIZZIA S. DELGADO Thousands of people have died since the first recorded outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC), Ebola virus struck in Congo on August 24. The case was a pregnant woman who butchered an animal who got ill, showed symptoms of EVD and died after a few days. |
Weeks later, the disease was known to have spread in West Africa. The situation worsened when citizens relied on rituals for medications rather than trusting health workers to prevent the spread of EVD. The World Health Organization (WHO), together with other health agencies and departments has been working hand-in-hand to stop this threatening disease.
Meanwhile in Philippines, Ebola-Reston virus was detected in pigs on October2008. It was confirmed after CDC received samples of pig tissues and cells from the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) on Plum Island, New York which were collected from pigs in farms outside Metro Manila. The test results showed swine pathogens, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus and porcine circovirus type 2. Ebola virus has been affecting thousands of people all over the globe. As the number of confirmed cases and deaths are increasing, threats in the country will continue to heighten.
Recently, Filipino peacekeepers that arrived from Liberia were sent in Caballo Island where they are being monitored for EVD symptoms. Is the government prepared for the EVD’s threats? Are we prepared for the worst?
Undeniably, a lot of citizens, particularly those who are indigents would agree that the country’s health facilities and services are not sufficient and efficient. Nowadays, it is really evident that those who have money are the ones who were prioritized be it in our judicial system or health services. Medications and health systems in the Philippines are behind the international standards.
Some citizens who can afford expensive medications seek better treatment and medication in other countries. While other citizens doubt the efficiency of our own health workers. One of the major problems of the Philippines is lack of health facilities, in particular, for main cases of disease. The government also lacks programs that will give free medication and other health assistance for poor Filipinos. Worst is that we are not prepared for another problem that threatens the world.
Unfortunately, some skilled Filipino doctors, nurses and other health workers are migrating to other countries that will provide them with higher income.
Philippines is in its progressive era, but not as progressive as the outstanding countries in the world. We, Filipinos, together with the government, still need to move forward.
Meanwhile in Philippines, Ebola-Reston virus was detected in pigs on October2008. It was confirmed after CDC received samples of pig tissues and cells from the Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (FADDL) on Plum Island, New York which were collected from pigs in farms outside Metro Manila. The test results showed swine pathogens, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus and porcine circovirus type 2. Ebola virus has been affecting thousands of people all over the globe. As the number of confirmed cases and deaths are increasing, threats in the country will continue to heighten.
Recently, Filipino peacekeepers that arrived from Liberia were sent in Caballo Island where they are being monitored for EVD symptoms. Is the government prepared for the EVD’s threats? Are we prepared for the worst?
Undeniably, a lot of citizens, particularly those who are indigents would agree that the country’s health facilities and services are not sufficient and efficient. Nowadays, it is really evident that those who have money are the ones who were prioritized be it in our judicial system or health services. Medications and health systems in the Philippines are behind the international standards.
Some citizens who can afford expensive medications seek better treatment and medication in other countries. While other citizens doubt the efficiency of our own health workers. One of the major problems of the Philippines is lack of health facilities, in particular, for main cases of disease. The government also lacks programs that will give free medication and other health assistance for poor Filipinos. Worst is that we are not prepared for another problem that threatens the world.
Unfortunately, some skilled Filipino doctors, nurses and other health workers are migrating to other countries that will provide them with higher income.
Philippines is in its progressive era, but not as progressive as the outstanding countries in the world. We, Filipinos, together with the government, still need to move forward.