AKBAYAN Senator Risa Hontiveros called on Tuesday for an intensified government prevention and detection drive against the Zika virus after a sixth case was confirmed by the Department of Health Monday.
Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said the DOH should equip the barangay health centers, as they are the frontline service providers that can aid the government in the monitoring and providing of immediate care to those infected with Zika virus especially the pregnant women.
“I support the on-going preparations and ground work of the Department of Health to strengthen its information, detection and monitoring drive to prevent the further spread of the disease, and to provide immediate care to those infected with the virus. We need to support the measures being done by the DOH and the local government to ensure public safety,” said Hontiveros.
She called on the DOH to provide anti-Zika virus packets to barangay health units to protect their constituencies from the virus. The packets should contain mosquito nets, mosquito repellents, condoms and reading materials on the virus.