The Local Health Board (LHB), chaired by Mayor Khymer Olaso Wednesday, May 13 urged barangay officials to intensify cleanliness and sanitation efforts to help eliminate dengue and prevent the spread of other communicable diseases.

During a meeting at the City Hall conference room, Olaso emphasized the need for stronger coordination among barangays, health authorities, and partner agencies to address public health concerns, particularly dengue, measles and rubella, zoonotic diseases, and food- and water-borne illnesses. He urged local officials to sustain community clean-up drives, proper waste disposal, and disease prevention campaigns to minimize possible outbreaks in communities.

Olaso likewise directed City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite to convene another LHB meeting with the participation of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-9) to further strengthen inter-agency collaboration. Olaso also pushed for the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to ensure faster coordination and implementation of health interventions and response measures.

Miravite assured the board that the City Health Office will continue intensifying monitoring, information campaigns, and preventive health programs in line with the mayor’s directives. She also underscored the importance of public cooperation in maintaining cleanliness and observing health protocols to reduce disease transmission.

Also present during the meeting were Councilor Hannah Nuño, Assistant City Health Officer Dr. Cathy Garcia, former Congresswoman and Local Council of Women–Zamboanga City Chapter President Lilia Nuño, Department of Health-Zamboanga City Development Management Officer IV Bryant Labastida, along with representatives from partner institutions and health sector stakeholders. (Arvin Midel) (phito credits: Kathy Wee Sit)