Amid rising dengue cases nationwide, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday, Aug. 21, announced that it has activated a comprehensive dengue outbreak response plan.
As the major blood supplier in the country, the PRC said that the implementation of the response plan aims to address the increasing demand for blood supplies and other critical needs of dengue-affected patients.
“As many areas in the country are declared under a state of calamity due to the alarming rise in dengue cases, we are implementing a response plan to assist government agencies during this crisis,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dick Gordon said.
Gordon also reiterated the PRC’s proactive approach. “I always tell my team the importance of the 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice,” Gordon said. “Just like in recent health challenges, this is not just PRC’s fight; it’s all of ours,” he added.
Steady blood supply
Based on the dengue response plan of the PRC Blood Services, the PRC will ensure a steady blood supply.
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 21 this year, the PRC has dispensed 3,180 blood units to 1,020 dengue patients, including those residing in areas under a state of calamity.
The PRC noted that in Iloilo province, which was placed under a state of calamity on Aug. 20, a total of 826 blood bags were supplied to infected patients.
In Maasin, Southern Leyte, a total of 15 units of blood platelets were delivered from its Cebu Chapter.
Maasin was also placed under a state of calamity along with other places in Eastern Visayas.
Gordon explained that the 102 PRC chapters report the inventory of their blood supply daily. “Kaya very confident ako na kahit nasaan ka man sa bansa, kaya kang bigyan ng Red Cross ng dugo (So I'm very confident that no matter where you are in the country, the Red Cross can provide you with blood),” he added.
In addition to providing blood for transfusions, the response plan includes various programs and activities, such as online and on-ground dengue awareness campaigns, health caravans, blood donation drives, and cleanup initiatives to curb the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang explained that the response plan also serves as a “compass” for the PRC national headquarters and its 102 chapters nationwide in conducting activities related to dengue mitigation.
“With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the Philippines, we are confident that no patient will be denied access to blood,” Pang said.
For blood needs and assistance, the public can reach out to the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines at 1158 and 143.
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