PHO calls for more intensified anti-rabies campaign Cabatuan, Iloilo, Philippines PHO calls for more intensified anti-rabies campaign By: Elsa S. Subong Saturday 8th of March 2014 ILOILO CITY, March 8 (PIA) – There should be no let-up to the campaign against rabies in the province of Iloilo, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO). Rabies is not among the leading causes of mortality in the country, but it is considered a significant health problem, the Department of Health said. PHO-Iloilo Chief Dr. Ma. Socorro Quiñon said rabies is among the most acutely infections with recorded 200-300 deaths annually. She said that in the provincial government’s bid to make the province rabies-free in 2015, the PHO is working to contain stray dogs, have them vaccinated, urging the local government officials to put up animal bite centers and allocate funds for it. Quiñon said to date, only the town of San Joaquin has funds allocated for animal bite program and the towns of Sta. Barbara and Oton have established their animal bite centers. She said that the journey towards a rabies-free province next year would be a tough one considering the stray dogs all over the trowns and barangays. She added that LGUs need to perk up initiatives in the campaign against rabies and ask the residents to be responsible dog owners. In 2013, PHO records showed that there were 17,909 animal bites cases with one death, higher than the 13,900 cases in the previous year, with two recorded deaths. The data can mean two things according to Quiñon: One is that the people have become aware and they seek medical help. “The other maybe is that, the increase simply showed many were not responsible to rein in their pets,” Quiñon said. Taking the most number of bites last year were dog bites at 14,082, and the rest cat bites which was 3,320. The City of Passi recorded the most with 1,063, Sta. Barbara, 1,021; Cabatuan, 919; Lambunao, 815; Pototan, 762; Calinog, 758; Oton, 706; Janiuay, 699; Miag-ao, 628; and, Tigbauan, 564. The PHO said there is need for LGUs to undertake more initiatives to curb animal bites cases in their localities. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo) Timeline 2014 Cabatuan.com