DOH-Bicol Calls for Hygienic Defecation to Prevent Polio

The Center for Health Development in Bicol is calling on all local government units in the region to strictly implement the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program of the agency to prevent oro-fecal transmitted diseases including polio.

“Polio or poliomyelitis is a fatal and disabling disease but a preventable viral infection,” said Dr. Ernie Vera, Department of Health-Bicol regional director, in a press conference on Tuesday at La Roca Veranda Suites in this city.

Vera said they want LGUs to identify areas or households with incomplete or unsanitary toilet facilities and to pass local public health policies specifically on the strict implementation of ZOD.

“Immunizations, proper hygiene, proper toilet facilities, food sanitation are the best preventive measures against this highly infectious disease,” he said.

Vera said LGUs must require all households in the community to have proper sanitary toilet facilities, thereby reducing oro-fecal transmitted diseases.

Food establishments must also adhere to the food safety guidelines and ensure all food handlers have sanitary permits issued by their local health departments. “Food workers especially cook and waiters must observe proper hand hygiene practices all the time,” he said.

“We are reminding the public to practice good personal hygiene by washing hands regularly after use of toilets, before preparing foods or eating; to use sanitary toilets, to drink safe water and to cook food thoroughly,” Vera said.

Polio can spread when there is poor environmental sanitation and hygiene.

DOH-Bicol also urged all parents to complete the three doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and one dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) for infants before they turn one year old.

“We call on all parents especially those with children under five years old who have received the complete doses required to avail from barangay health centers the OPV and IPV for this is the only way to stop the spread of this debilitating and fatal disease,” Vera said. (PNA)