Surveillance for and issues relating to noncommunicable diseases post-Haiyan in Region 8

Authors

  • Rammell Eric Martinez Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • Ronaldo Quintana Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • John Juliard Go Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • Mae Analyne Marquez Regional Office 8, Department of Health, Tacloban City, Philippines
  • Jae Kyoun Kim Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines
  • Ma Sol Villones Regional Office 8, Department of Health, Tacloban City, Philippines
  • Miguel Antonio Salazar Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5365/wpsar.2015.6.3.HYN_020

Abstract

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly reduce life expectancy. Early detection, treatment and management of these diseases reduces morbidity and mortality. Following disasters actions to prioritize the management of NCDs are actively needed and should be afforded high public health importance. Disasters often disrupt access to and delivery of essential interventions, including medicines. Our paper discusses the impact Typhoon Haiyan had on morbidity and mortality rates associated with chronic diseases and the local government’s efforts to address them.

Method: This descriptive study used regional and provincial level NCD data to illustrate our findings.

Results: We identified (1) an increase in both NCD morbidity following the typhoon; (2) there was limited primary health care infrastructure to cater for people with chronic diseases; (3) the Health Information System has limited NCDs data; and 4) the Department of Health lack guidelines and field manuals on the management of NCDs post disaster.

Conclusion: There are a number of recommendations which can be implemented to mitigate the impact future disasters have on chronic diseases. This include the Department of Health developing health service delivery protocols which give attention to NCDs post disaster.

Author Biography

Rammell Eric Martinez, Office of the WHO Representative in the Philippines, Sta Cruz, Manila, Philippines

NCD, Violence and Injury Prevention - Short-term Consultant

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Published

06-11-2015

How to Cite

1.
Martinez RE, Quintana R, Go JJ, Marquez MA, Kim JK, Villones MS, Salazar MA. Surveillance for and issues relating to noncommunicable diseases post-Haiyan in Region 8. Western Pac Surveill Response J [Internet]. 2015 Nov. 6 [cited 2026 Apr. 8];6(5). Available from: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/389

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 5 (2015): Suppl 1 Responding to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

Section

Brief Report

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