Cebu City residents urged: Donate blood, help fight dengue

THE Cebu City Council is urging the public to donate blood as part of efforts to address the increasing number of dengue cases in the city.

In response to the ongoing health crisis, the council seeks to strengthen blood donation campaigns to support patients affected by the mosquito-borne illness.

A Cebu City lawmaker filed two related resolutions during the regular session on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Councilor Rey Gealon introduced the first resolution, which requests the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) to launch an information, education, and communication campaign on the importance of blood donation.

The aim is to encourage the public to contribute and help meet the heightened demand for blood transfusions as the city grapples with the dengue surge.

The campaign aligns with the CHD's mandate to promote health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, especially among underserved populations.

The second resolution urges the Association of Barangay Councils to rally community support for blood donation, highlighting the critical role that local government units play in promoting health initiatives.

By mobilizing the barangays, the council hopes to generate widespread public participation in the blood donation drive and ensure the health system can adequately respond to the crisis.

This push for blood donation comes as the city faces a worsening dengue situation.

Earlier this month, Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) appealed to acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to declare a public health emergency after dengue cases in the city reached 597.

CCHD head Dr. Daisy Villa, in an interview on September 6, said that such a declaration could increase vigilance among residents and encourage preventive measures.

Villa also expressed concern over the eight dengue-related deaths recorded this year, a stark increase compared to zero fatalities last year.

She emphasized that combating dengue requires the active participation of the entire community, not just city officials.

The council's blood donation campaign aims to address the urgent need for blood transfusions, a critical component of treatment for severe dengue cases involving heavy bleeding and low platelet counts.(MyTVCebu)

• Tags
• #Cebu City Council
• #Cebu City
• #Blood Donation
• #Dengue
• #Rey Gealon
• #Cebu City Health Department
• #Association of Barangay Councils
• #Blood Transfusion
• #Platelet Count