DESPITE various efforts, including the Department of Health’s (DOH) intensive dengue prevention campaigns in Western Visayas, the persistent rise in cases signals a disconnect in the approach, especially in remote communities.
Recent data from DOH Region 6 is a reminder of the vulnerability of our youth, with over 5,700 cases reported among those aged 20 and below this year alone. This is a litmus test for the educational outreach on dengue prevention. The challenge is not merely to inform but to engage effectively — a task that encounters several significant hurdles.
Accessibility of information remains a primary obstacle. In remote areas of Western Visayas, not all communities have equal access to health resources. Dengue educational materials often do not reach far-flung barangays, or when they do, they may not be in a language or format that resonates with the local population. The recent “Virtual Townhall on Dengue” organized by DOH-6 is a step forward, but it presupposes access to digital technology which many in impoverished areas lack.
Dengue educational engagement strategies need to be re-evaluated. Simply disseminating information is not enough; it must be engaging and actionable. Schools and barangay halls are pivotal in this respect, serving as hubs for information dissemination and practical engagement. Programs designed for schoolchildren must be interactive and provide hands-on activities that empower students to be proactive in dengue prevention, such as school-wide clean-up days to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The “5S strategy” promoted by the DOH — search and destroy; secure self-protection; seek early consultation; support fogging and spraying hotspot places; and sustain hydration — is comprehensive but needs a tailored approach to ensure its implementation across different community settings, especially in schools and rural areas.
To make a substantial impact, these dengue educational efforts must be continuous and adaptive. One-off workshops or seminars are insufficient without follow-up and reinforcement.
Most important of all, real-time data and feedback mechanisms should be integrated into these programs to track effectiveness and adapt strategies promptly. The high number of cases in Western Visayas should prompt innovative and competent health education strategies.
Public health education on dengue must shift from reactive to proactive, from informative to transformative.
