BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Benguet Provincial Health Office (PHO) continues its intensified efforts to curb dengue.

Benguet PHO Health Education and Promotion Officer Patrick Depolio, during the Usapang PIA radio program with Kap. Peter Wasing on Thursday (June 22), said they are  continuously providing  logistics support   including  drum nets, medicines,  and  test kits to the rural health units (RHUs) to combat dengue.

Depolio  said  the RHUs can request for dengue test kits from the Benguet PHO. Individuals who want to get tested of dengue may visit the RHUs  or barangay health stations in their areas.

"Mas mayat nga agpa-assist tayo kadagiti Barangay Health Stations tayo, Rural Health Units tayo tapnu sigurado nga ti panagusar tayo iti test kit husto" (It would be better if we ask the assistance  from our Rural Health Units o Barangay Health Stations in administering the test kit to ensure its appropriate use)," he explained.

The PHO also provides support to the personnel of  RHUs through capacity building activities, Depolio said. Among the trainings they conduct include  larval and vector surveillance training.

He added that they also sustain their partnership with the media and other offices for the dissemination of public advisories and other updates from their office.

Depolio is optimistic that the concerted efforts of everyone in combatting dengue will bear positive results.

From January to June 17, 2023, the Benguet PHO logged 617 dengue cases in the province,  higher by 12 percent compared to the 549 cases recorded in the same period last year. The highest case was recorded in La Trinidad with 147,  followed by Itogon with 104 and Tuba with 61. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)