Health Secretary Ted Herbosa emphasized the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) during a recent statement, ranking it as a top priority for the Department of Health. He highlighted the challenges in achieving universal WASH coverage, citing safety concerns with many drinking water sources, especially those sourced from groundwater near toilets or old, leaking pipes. A recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) revealed that while 90 percent of the poorest households have access to clean water, the wealthiest households have nearly full coverage.
HEALTH Secretary Ted Herbosa emphasized that water, sanitation and hygiene is a critical priority for the Department of Health , ranking it third after vaccination and addressing malnutrition, owing to its vital role in preventing waterborne diseases .
“ drinking water ay hindi potable or hindi safe. Marami itong tinatawag na coliform or E. coli,” Herbosa said. “Ngayon, very important ang potable water nakukuha natin sa tap or ang mga nabibili na purified na.” But geographical and economic disparities persist. In each region, about 5 percent of households lack handwashing facilities, while in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao , nearly half of households lack them, and 20 percent still practice open defecation.
The recent 80 percent increase in dengue cases, particularly in October and November, is also attributed to poor sanitation. Dasmariñas, Cavite declared a state of calamity due to the surge in cases, while Quezon City also seeing a rise in numbers.
Water Sanitation Hygiene Philippines Department Of Health WASH Health Secretary Clean Water Waterborne Diseases Groundwater Safety
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