Celebrating World Health Day 2013

The WHO country office with the Philippines’ Department of Health and the Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases highlighted the celebration of World Health Day 2013 with a scientific symposium on controlling hypertension and reducing salt consumption on 8 April 2013 at the Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila. Dr Enrique T. Ona, Secretary of the Department of Health, Dr Susan Mercado, Acting WHO Representative in the Philippines, and Dr Rachel Marie Rosario, Chair of the Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, led a group of over 150 participants representing partners from government and non-government sectors, from academic and research institutions, health professional groups, industry, media, and civil society in reminding everyone to know and control their blood pressure, and to maintain healthy lifestyles.

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The year 2013 ushers in a new era with higher taxes on cigarettes, beer, liquor, wine, and other tobacco and alcohol products.

When President Benigno Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10351 on Dec. 20, he said, “Today, we are again making history: for the past 15 years, we have been trying to reform the tax structure of imposing excise tax on tobacco and alcohol products. After 15 long years, we have finally succeeded.”

“As the people’s servant, I shall personally ensure that this government shall implement the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012 in a transparent and accountable manner starting Jan. 1, 2013,” he said.

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Manila, Philippines, 5 December 2012 - The World Health Organization was conferred the “Most Valuable Partner” award during the Child Protection Network’s (CPN) 4th Manila Conference for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The award was received by Dr Florence Tienzo. The event was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

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"Everyday, ten Filipinos infected with HIV” (DOH NEC, March 2012).

This is the reality: The Philippine HIV epidemic. The country is ONE of seven countries that recorded more than 25% increase in the number of new HIV infections. Beginning 2007, the Philippines reported steep rise in the number of new HIV cases. Ninety percent (90%) of the cases have HIV through sexual contact. However, the cases clearly show the shift from predominantly heterosexual to bisexual and homosexual transmission, and many of them belong to the younger age group.

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