DOH-7 intensifies advocacy on newborn screening
By: Hazel Gloria
CEBU CITY, October 26 (PIA) --- The Department of Health in the region (DOH-7) intensifies its advocacy on the Newborn Screening (NBS) program that aims to an early detection of infants who are affected by certain genetic, metabolic and or infectious conditions.
DOH-7 program coordinator of Newborn Screening program, Myra Salvaleon shared the advantages of those infants who went through the newborn screening right after their births.
The newborn screening is a simple way of knowing the condition of an infant having a congenital metabolic disorder that may cause mental retardation or in many cases, disability or death, Salvaleon added.
An early identification and timely intervention can lead to significant reduction of morbidity, mortality, and associated disabilities in affected infants.
This program usually begins with a blood test or other test and it is used to identify serious or life-threatening conditions that may lead to health problems, Salvaleon explained.
NBS was integrated into the public health delivery system with the enactment of the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 or Republic Act 9288.
To date, there are four Newborn Screening Centers (NSCs) in the country namely, NSC- Visayas in Iloilo City; NSC-National Institutes of Health in Manila; NSC-Central Luzon inAngeles City; and NSC-Mindanao in Davao City with P550-600 for the laboratory testing.
These four NSCs provide laboratory and follow up services for more than three thousand health facilities.
Meanwhile, in Central Visayas as of first semester of 2011, 18 percent of newborn infants have already undergone the newborn screening. In 2010, 28 percent of infants had been screened.
DOH-7 with other stakeholders are now trying to identify some strategies to intensify awareness in the communities to promote the newborn screening program.(PIA-7/HFG)
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Search for RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest kicks off
CEBU CITY, October 25 (PIA) --- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is calling on individuals between 13 and 35 years old based in the Visayas and Mindanao to join the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest, which kicked off on the last week of September.
The RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest aims to promote the inspiring stories and work of recognized development workers in the Visayas and Mindanao. Guided by the theme, “Shaping the big picture of change”, entrants are expected to do background research on the lives and works of RAFI Triennial awardees and finalists nearest their area.
To join the RAFI Triennial Awards Blogging Contest, individuals should register through www.rafi.org.ph. Entrants must have an existing and updated blog for at least six months. Deadline for the submission of blog entries is Dec. 15, 2011.
First prize winner will receive Php 25,000; second prize Php 20,000; and third prize Php 15,000. All entries of winners and finalists will be consolidated and published into a book.
The RAFI Triennial Awards is an awards program of RAFI given every three years to recognize the philanthropic, humanitarian, and holistic efforts of individuals and institutions in the Visayas and Mindanao in enhancing the quality of life of the communities they serve. It is now on its 5th run with conferment of awards in 2012.
We hope for your support in promoting this holistic initiative to share the inspiring stories and works of community development workers with the public.
For inquiries or confirmation, please contact Nancy Cudis through 418-7234 local 520 or through mobile number 0917-395-9423, or e-mail at Nancy.Cudis@rafi.org.ph.(PIA-7/HFG & RAFI)