Epidemics, diseases, and health emergencies in the aftermath of natural disasters in the Philippines

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to present the data on the frequency and severity of natural disasters in the Philippines, the common diseases in affected communities after a natural disaster, the immediate health effects after a natural disaster and the preceding environmental risk factors, as well as evaluation scheme for pre- and post- disaster management in the Philippines. METHODS: Data were gathered from local and international agencies dealing with epidemics diseases and health emergencies related to natural disasters. Critical analysis was done in order to come up with an evaluation scheme on both ex ante risk reduction, and ex post disaster response. RESULTS: The study showed that there are immediate adverse health effects of natural disasters. Drought brings about protein malnutrition; earthquakes can cause crush injuries; and fires can cause poor air quality. The study showed that the most common communicable diseases arisng from disasters and emergencies include diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, measles, and malaria. In the international scene, cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, measles, meningitis, tetanus, diarrhea, leptospirosis, acute respiratory syndrome, coccidiomycosis, and malaria were reported to be the major epidemics after certain types of natural disaster. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: There are several recommendations proposed in this study for disaster management such as integration of permanent LGU disaster risk management, better coordination among agencies involved in disaster management, strengthened vertical and horizontal integration of disaster risk reduction plans, creation of an overall framework that integrates environmental issues with disaster management strategies, documentation, evaluation and replication of successful local disaster prevention and management strategies, and coordination with health units, and economic development units. The Philippines is challenged to come up with and implement a comprehensive disaster preparedness and mitigation measures for disasters and epidemics.

A study on the state of occupational safety and health in the Philippines

OBJECTIVES: This study looked into the state of occupational health and safety in the country. Specifically, the objectives were 1) to show to current condition of workers, both local and migrant, in terms of their workplace conditions and hazard exposures; and 2) to present occupational diseases and illnesses in various industries and occupational groupings in the Philippines. METHODS: Data were gathered using documentary research targeting agencies that deal with occupational safety and health in the Philippines in terms of occupational diseases, injuries, and accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. RESULTS: The study revealed occupational hazards and health and safety conditions in various industries, occupational settings, and job groupings such as in the industrial sector, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fishing, and cement manufacturing. It also looked into small-scale and informal industries such as tanning, laundry work, and pyrotechnics manufacture. Special segments of the labor force including women workers, child laborers and migrant workers were also covered. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In all these sectors and industries, the stdy found attendant occupational diseases and injuries from occupational hazards. In general, OSH in the Philippines requires further improvements in data collection, coverage of industries and occupational sectors, and dissemination to both public and private sectors.

Analysis of trends of occupational injury in the Philippines: Implications for policy

OBJECTIVE. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and incidence of occupational injuries in the Philippines. METHODS. Data were collected from various agencies, namely, Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Labor Force Survey of National Statistics Office, Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) under Department of Health (DOH), Overseas Employment Statistics (OES) of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and International Labor Organization (ILO). Hospital-based data and surveys were also used in this study. RESULTS. The study revealed about 358,000 fatal and 337 million non-fatal occupational accidents occurring around the world. In the Philippines, there were 22,65 cases of occupational injury in 2003 and 47,235 cases in 2007. The manufacturing industries registered the highest number of cases. The reported cases of occupational injury resulted in 178 deaths in 2000 and 116 deaths in 2007. As for the frequency rate of injury, it was estimated to occur at six injury cases per 500 full-time workers. In the following years, the frequency rate of injury declined to 4.07 in 2003, and further declined to 2.79 in 2007. Superficial injuries and open wounds were the most common type of injury in 2000, 2003 and 2007. Acute poisoning and infections rapidly increased by 2.39 times from 2003 to 2007. Other serious injuries reported were burns, corrosions, scalds, and frostbites, with 2,065 cases reported in 2007. In 2007, 1839 cases of fracture were reported. Based on hospital records, a total of 9,521 injury cases were reported in 2007. In 2007, 1,839 cases of fracture were reported. Based on hospital records, a total of 9,521 injury cases were reported for the first quarter of 2010 at 77 government and private hospitals in the country. Most injuries were sustained on the road (44.4%) and work-related injuries were reported at 7.8%. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION. The data showed that occupational injury is prevalent and presents a problem in the country. It is suggested that data collection on occupational injuries be performed on a national scale, and3not merely through the random collection of data for small, medium and large industries. Data on occupational safety and health should also include the agricultural sector, the informal sector, and small enterprises.