Lumad advocates urge town officials to urgently respond to possible measles outbreak, poor health conditions in Talaingod

August 6, 2010 | Save Talaingod Network | DAVAO CITY— Conveners of Save Talaingod Network, an ad hoc alliance of lumad advocates, paid a visit to the Talaingod Municipality yesterday (Aug 5)  to talk to local government officials regarding a quick response health mission in the affected villages.

Yesterday the network conveners went to Talaingod to talk to the officials about the reported spread of flu, fever, rash and possible measles in various remote villages in Talaingod town. Vice Mayor Francisco Gepulla and Dr. James Ian dela Cruz (Municipal Health Officer) said the LGU will be willing to support planned medical mission in the affected areas,” stated Raffy Jones Sanchez, spokesperson of the network.

Despite previous denials by some Talaingod local officials regarding the measles outbreak, the network is convinced of the veracity of reports that symptoms related to measles have afflicted many residents.

“Measles or not, bases for an urgent medical intervention have been established by Salugpongan datus who attested that many of their constituents are suffering from the symptoms of the disease. We cannot wait for fatalities to rise without doing anything,” said Sanchez.  

Sanchez adds that while indeed there is a need to confirm the number of affected, and the scale of the spread of the disease, they believe that “the more responsible and prudent move is to go to the actual areas and be ready to provide medical help to the sick.”

Leaders and members of Salupongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon, a local lumad organization in Talaingod covering 60 communities, went to Davao City last July 23 and reported that “tipras” has already spread to several villages. As a response the Save Talaingod Network was initially convened.

“Knowing the dismal health conditions of the Ata Manobo, we immediately sought the support of various groups, schools, and organizations because the mission will entail a lot of human and material resource,” Sanchez explained.

The reported affected villages, namely; Pong-pong, Km. 39, Pangaan, Nalubas, Bagang, Laslasakan, Miboloo and Pananaan are far-flung areas.  These can only be reached by at least 6 hours on foot, making them very difficult, if not, almost impossible for health workers to visit on a daily basis.

Talaingod is a 5th class municipality which belongs to the top 20 poorest towns in the country.  The Ata -Manobo communities, especially those in the remote villages, do not have access even to the most basic health services.

“The existing realities of deep-rooted poverty, massive hunger and malnutrition  in Talaingod, apparently put the Ata – Manobos in a more serious danger in the face of measles or any viral disease,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez adds, “While we lament these sad realities, we urge the local government officials to respond to the urgency of the health situation in Talaingod.  Their support to the initiatives to provide immediate health services for our lumad brothers and sisters is direly needed at this time.”

The group also calls on various concerned organizations to join the forthcoming simultaneous medical missions dubbed as Save Talaingod Medical Mission on August 7-11, 2010. The mission will provide free medical consultation and medicines to around 2,000 Ata-Manobo residents.  #

FOR REFERENCE:

Raffy Jones Sanchez

Spokesperson

Save Talaingod Network

Mobile: 09064430135