Philippines – World Pneumonia Day 2015
Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, Inc. together with Quezon Medical Society and Philippine Pediatric Society-Southern Tagalog Chapter celebrated the World Pneumonia Day 2015 in Queen Margarette Hotel, Lucena City, Quezon Province last November 12, 2015 with the theme “Push the Pace, Fight Pneumonia”.
Pneumonia remains the top killers of age under five in the world. World Health Organization reported that for this year alone, more than 900,000 died from this disease accounting to 16% of the under-five mortality worldwide. In the Philippines, pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality among ages under five with 23.4 per 100000 mortality rate. Thus, it is appropriate that we fight hand in hand this preventable and treatable disease.
A kick off project of an on-the-spot poster making contest was held last November 5, 2015 at Quezon Medical Center, Lucena City. Its objective is to increase awareness among students the importance of fighting pneumonia and to showcase the artistic talents of the children of Lucena City. Fifteen grade six students from different public elementary schools within Lucena City participated. Each one was given one-half size illustration board and pastel color. They were asked to draw their interpretation of the theme “Universal Access to Pneumonia Prevention and Care”, given the time period of three hours to finish their artworks. The following photos were the participants of the poster making contest.
The judges include Ms. Maria Pureza Hernandez Escano, a Quezon ng Karangalan Awardee for the Arts, Dr. Maria Rowena Valenzuela Enriquez, a pediatric pulmonologist, and Ms. Beatriz Roxas Rogas, former president of Kabataang Ugat Lucena. After deliberation, the proclaimed winners were Accel Dural from Lucena South 1 Elementary School as 1st place, Jana Cris Pajares from Lucena West IV Elementary School as 2nd place, and Jhon Xyron Pasuot from Gulang- gulang Elementary School as 3rd place. They were given certificates and cash prizes of 5,000, 3,000 and, 2,000 respectively. The other participants were as well given certificates and gift bag from the sponsors.
1st Place Winner – Accel Dural from Lucena South 1 Elementary School
2nd Place Winner – Jana Cris Pajares from Lucena West IV Elementary School
3rd place Winner – Jhon Xyron Pasuot from Gulang-gulang Elementary School
The main highlight of the celebration was done last November 12, 2015 at Queen Margarette Hotel. A total of 55 Barangay Health workers, 63 nurses, 28 physicians as well as lay people attended the celebration. It was hosted by the energetic Dr. Dennis R. Rivere.
Dr. Dennis R. Rivere as master of Ceremony during WPD 2015 Celebration
Dr. Josefina C. Carlos gave a short lecture on measles elimination while Dr Lulu Bravo talked about on how to protect, prevent and treat pneumonia. Both of them emphasized the need of good immunization in targeting to decrease the incidence of pneumonia in our country.
Dr. Josefina C. Carlos and Prof. Lulu C. Bravo
The celebration is not complete without the dance number of the very talented Dr. Enrique A. Tayag of the Department of Health. Everyone got up from their seat and release some sweat. The Quezon Medical Center dancers also gave intermission number to the tune of “Sapul sa Pulmonya” which made the mood of the participants livelier.
The winners of the on the spot poster making contest were presented to the public. After which a ceremonial vaccination was done. Five people were given free vaccines which include a toddler, child, elderly, and an adult. They were given Hib, meningococcal and pneumococcal vaccines.
After two hours of gaining knowledge, dancing and having fun, the celebration ended with its main objective fulfilled, which is imparting to every delegate that pneumonia is preventable and treatable.
Prepared by:
Dr. Anthony J. Limbo
Dr. Rosalia Belen F. Bonus
WPD Photo Gallery
