The Provincial Government through the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) with technical assistance from USAID marked another milestone in public health as it held the first-ever Family Health Fair at the Capitol’s Amusement and Events Center last May 18 and 19.

Governor Aurora E. Cerilles symbolically signaled the 1st Family Health Fair with 3  bangs of an agong witnessed by USAID Philippines’ Health Development Officer Dr. Padmaja Shetty and Project Management Specialist Dereck Golla IV.  Officials of  USAID cooperating agencies such as  HealthGov, TB Linc, A2Z and HealthPro were also present along with Department of Health representatives and local government officials. 

Governor Cerilles, in her message was glad and honored to have Dr. Shetty representing the USAID.  She acknowledged the USAID’s technical support that made the province such a commendable leap in health development.

Cerilles proudly stated that the province has high Vitamin A coverage in Garantisadong Pambata campaign last April.  For such achievement, she commended the unfaltering dedication of health workers, volunteers, local government officials and the community.

The Family Health Fair has a legislative support under Provincial Ordinance No. 007-2009 declaring 3rd Week of May 2009 as Family Health Week in the entire province for the 1stnd Week of February in line with the Heart Month celebration. celebration and for the succeeding celebrations it will be on the 2

Provincial Health Officer Corazon S. Ariosa said that the Family Health Fair is an integrated approach to generate awareness and promote use of various health services that the family can avail at the health centers. 

There were 14 booths that showcased different health and promotional services from Child Health and Nutrition; Food Fortification; Maternal Health Care/Well Family Midwife; Healthy Lifestyle/Botika ng Barangay; PhilHealth; Red Cross and PAMET/First Aid; Family Planning; STI/HIV-AIDS; Environment & Sanitation; Malaria, Dengue and Schisto; Avian/Swine Flu and Rabies; TB; Kiddie Booth and consultation booth courtesy of the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Society.

Each booth has prepared gimmicks to attract more visitors. Pregnant women were given freebies.  The same were true to PAMET that gave away safeguard soap after a visitor submitted to execute the proper handwashing. Most of the booths have brochures and leaflets distributed to everyone who visited their booth.

Pre-schoolers aged 2-5 year olds heard Governor Cerilles and Vice Governor Roy Ariosa read bedtime stories entitled: “Macaroni” and “Pakwan” in two separate settings.  Afterwards, they were served with arrozcaldo with macaroni and ate pakwan.  

Moreover, the health event was also contest among the 14 booths.  The Most Creative Booth went to Child Health and Nutrition. Ecological Sanitation and Solid Waste Management booth was adjudged as the Most Informative.  For the Most Entertaining award won by HIV-AIDS booth while TB (tuberculosis) booth garnered the Most Colorful and Most Visited booth award.

Impressed by the success of the 1st Family Health Fair, USAID officials suggested to Health Officer Ariosa to hold similar event in the barangays probably have it during Market Days as people from far-flung barangay would come down to sell farm produce to buy other basic commodities. 

Dr. Shetty hinted Ariosa to invite private organizations participate such health event.

(Remai S. Alejado/Zambosur Press Bureau)

Last update: 08-06-2009 03:50