Kris named DOH ambassador for dengue prevention

MANILA, Philippines - Amid soaring cases of dengue, the Department of Health (DOH) has appointed television host Kris Aquino as ambassador for its dengue prevention programs.

DOH consultant Dr. Willie Ong said Aquino had been invited by Health Secretary Enrique Ona to promote the agency’s anti-dengue campaign and help curb the rising cases of the disease.

Ong said the DOH believes that President Aquino’s youngest sister, being a popular media personality, could significantly help in raising public awareness on how to prevent the spread of dengue.

As an advocate of anti-dengue programs, Aquino has committed to speak about the mosquito-borne disease in her shows and interviews.

Ong noted that Aquino could relate to dengue issues because her two sons, Joshua and Baby James, both contracted the disease last year.

Yesterday, Aquino graced the Dengue Awareness Campaign of the DOH and the Department of Education at the Rosa Susano-Novaliches Elementary School in Quezon City with Ona, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

She distributed products she endorses, while the DOH gave out information materials about dengue.

Dr. Lyndon Leesuy, program manager of the DOH’s Dengue Control Program, underscored the need for those in schools and communities to act for the campaign against dengue to succeed.

Leesuy added that all possible breeding sites of dengue mosquitoes, like flower vases and empty containers, should be eliminated as dengue-causing mosquitoes thrive in clean and stagnant water that is abundant during rainy season.

He said vacant lots should not be spared in clean-up drives because water could also build up there.