BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government has created a task force to effectively prevent and control the spread of monkeypox (Mpox) in Negros Oriental although no case has been recorded in the province.
Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria issued an executive order on Monday, June 2, establishing the Negros Oriental Mpox Task Force and institution of measures, citing reported monkeypox virus in several parts of the country, which pose a significant threat to public health and safety.
Sagarbarria stressed the urgency to strengthen the province's preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure timely detection, isolation, treatment, and containment of suspected and confirmed monkeypox cases.
He said that the provincial government recognizes the critical role of inter-agency coordination and public participation in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
The EO said that the Department of Health (DOH) has issued advisories and guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of monkeypox cases to mitigate its spread and impact on affected communities.
The task force is composed of key officials led by Sagarbarria as chairperson and the provincial health officer as vice-chairperson.
The task force will ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response and functions include monitoring, education campaigns, health protocols, and resource allocation to mitigate the impact of the virus.
All city and municipal mayors were directed to activate health emergency response teams, conduct community awareness campaigns on monkeypox prevention, implement active surveillance and reporting of suspected cases, ensure that local health facilities are prepared to handle these cases, and coordinate closely with the provincial task force for timely reporting and response.
Residents were urged to adhere to public health protocols such as proper hygiene, social distancing, reporting of suspected cases, and coordination with health authorities for contact tracing and other preventive measures to safeguard their health and the wellbeing of the community.
The provincial government remains committed to transparency, cooperation, and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by the monkeypox virus.
Meanwhile, Sagarbarria visited the DOH-Negros Island Region (NIR) office on the third floor of the Integrated Provincial Health Office within the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital Compound in Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City on Monday, June 2, prior to the official inauguration of the regional office on June 18 with DOH national officials.
The visit aimed to enhance coordination and discuss upcoming health programs, ensuring the continuous improvement of health services in the province.