PASAY CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross conducted a webinar on monkeypox among its volunteers and employees on August 26 as part of the humanitarian organization’s strategy in ensuring the safety of its workers before they are deployed in the front lines to respond to any emergency or disaster. 

The one-hour webinar was organized by PRC’s Human Resources Department, in partnership with Health Plan Philippines, Inc. (HPPI).

The topics included how the monkeypox virus spreads, symptoms and their duration, prevention and treatment. The resource person was Abigail Guinez, a medical doctor affiliated with HPPI.

“Sinisiguro namin sa Red Cross na ganap ang kaalaman at protektado ang aming volunteers and staff bago sila sumabak sa front lines. Kagaya ng ginawa namin noong 2020, sa Covid-19 pandemic, binigyan namin ng wastong impormasyon at kagamitan, kagaya ng PPE, ang aming frontliners para tiyaking sila ay protektado habang sumasaklolo o tumutulong sa mga pasyente at iba pang taong naapektuhan ng Covid-19. Bilang frontliners, agad din silang binigyan ng bakuna at regular testing sa Covid-19,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.

Gordon added that PRC is always ready to respond to people affected by any emergency or disaster and is monitoring the monkeypox virus to ensure that its volunteers, staff, equipment, and operations center are ready in case there is a need to respond.

The monkeypox virus is transmitted in humans through close contact with an infected person or animal — through wounds, body fluids, or respiratory droplets — or through contact with contaminated materials. In its public health advisory on monkeypox, the Philippines’ health department reminded the public to “consistently adhere to the same health protocols as for Covid-19: wear the best-fitted mask, ensure good airflow, keep hands clean, and keep physical distance.” (Philippine Red Cross)