VIRAC, Catanduanes, October 12, (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol regional office, in coordination with the provincial health offices across the Bicol region, will be conducting simultaneous Newborn Screening Campaign on October 17, 2015 in the six provinces of Bicol with the theme “Save Babies through Newborn Screening”.
According to Dr. Hazel Palmes, provincial health officer in Catanduanes, the activity aims to promote awareness among Bicolanos on the importance of Newborn Screening, a public health program for early identification among infants certain genetic/ metabolic infectious condition.
She said that early identification and timely intervention can lead to significant reduction of morbidity, mortality and associated disabilities in affected infants.
As part of the campaign, a Fun Run/Walk will be held in Catanduanes to be participated by the different employees of the government, private agencies, local health officials and stakeholders of DOH and PHO in the province.
NBS in the Philippines started in 1996 and was integrated into the Public health delivery system with the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 (RA 9288).In Bicol region with high live births,only 51% were screened last 2014. Public Awareness about the program is very essential in order to help increase the Newborn Screening coverage in Bicol Region.
The event is also aimed at soliciting active advocates in their commitment in promoting significance of NBS.
The fun run will start at 5:00 am from the Catanduanes State University and will end at Virac Town Plaza Covered Court. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)