For supporting health programs

Samar PHO awards recognition to LGUs led by Talalora and Pagsanghan

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
December 22, 2008

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  Samar Provincial Health Office gave out awards to leading Local Government Units for their support to the health programs of the national and provincial governments.

On December 11, 2008, the municipalities of Pagsanghan and Talalora led the LGUs that were given recognition.

The programs implemented were reviewed based on accomplishments that have yet to be validated, the indicators were then mapped out and compared to the national standard.

Once accomplishments reached 70% the points were considered to have reached the national level, thus, giving recognition to the efforts of the LGUs.

Indicators included proportion of births attended by skilled health workers, exclusive breastfeeding, full immunization, contraceptive prevalence rate. Other indicators include Vitamin A coverage, TB detection rate, Filariasis mass treatment, household with access to safe water, households with access to sanitary toilets and blood collection.

It appears from the report that Pagsanghan passed the national standards for four indicators namely; exclusive breastfeeding, access to safe water, filariasis mass treatment and TB detection rate.

As regards Talalora, it also passed four indicators namely a malnutrition rate of only 13.4%; Vitamin A supplementation, exclusive breastfeeding and filariasis mass treatment.

Most LGUs passed one or two of the 11 indicators; while no LGU passed on the indicators on proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel, contraceptive rate and only one passed the full immunization.

In an interview, Ms. Felecita Borata Chief of the Technical Services, expressed that so much is still wanting when it comes to health practices of Samareños coupled with the absence of health officers.