Capitol celebrates Garantisadong Pambata
Atty. Nicholas Lutero III, Director IV, Bureau of
Health Services, DOH-Manila drops a Vitamin A
supplement to the granddaughter of Provincial
Budget Officer Elena D. Lim during the
Garantisadong Pambata Ceremonial Patak at the
Capitol Lobby on April 16, 2007 while Dr. Lydia S.
Depra-Ramos of DOH-CHD VI Director looks on.
Photo by Ian Espada
The Iloilo Provincial Government celebrated this week the Garantisadong Pambata (GP) or the Pre-Schoolers Health Week which started on April 16 and will last until April 20.
A ceremonial Patak of Vitamin A, polio vaccine and deworming for children zero to five years old spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office marked the weeklong celebration which will also be conducted in various health units in the Province of Iloilo.
Launched at the Capitol Lobby, the ceremonial Patak was graced by Dr. Lydia S. Depra-Ramos, Director IV of the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas, Atty. Nicholas Lutero III, Director IV of Bureau of Health Services, DOH-Manila, Dr. Sally de la Cruz with Provincial Administrator Manuel P. Mejorada and Provincial Health Officer Patricia Grace Trabado.
The GP which is being conducted twice a year every April and October have become the regular venue for universal Vitamin A supplementation and delivery of essential child health services nationwide, particularly in high risk areas.
This year's GM theme is "Garantisadong Pambata! Four in One Kalusugan," highlights Vitamin A supplementation, immunization, breastfeeding and deworming.
Vitamin A capsule is being administered to children 6-71 months old, deworming drugs for children 12-71 months old, BCG for 0-11 months infants, DPT, OPV, Hepatitis B, and measles vaccines for children 0-24 months old.
The exclusive breastfeeding up to six months and appropriate complementary feeding for infants and young children are likewise being encouraged.
Other child health services such as salt testing of iodine, growth promotion, oral health and newborn screening can also be availed.
These services are delivered in 506 health facilities, health and nutrition posts, day care centers, barangay halls in the province and other GP service points in strategic conspicuous areas.
In a press conference, Provincial Health Officer Trabado recognized the role of mass media in disseminating news and let the public aware of this program.
She appealed to media personalities present to help the province in this health campaign so that even the far flung communities can be aware of these services the government is offering to them.
(Capitol News)