City asks mayor for more drugs vs. dengue

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City health officials are requesting Mayor Tomas Osmeña, through the City Council, to purchase additional drugs to combat the dengue menace in the city.

Durinda Macasucol, assistant chief of the City Epidemiology Statistics and Surveillance Unit, said that among the plans they had submitted to the City Hall is the procurement of the needed medicines and supplies.

Although dengue cases for the first half of this year dropped by 40 percent compared to the same period last year, Osmeña still expressed dissatisfaction since 11 dengue-related deaths were reported from January to July 11 despite so-called intensive awareness campaigns.

Barangay officials of Labangon, Mambaling and Talamban were also requested to attend the session so they could react to statements of health experts. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)