DOH: DON’T JUST SPREAD THE WORD, USE STATISTICS TO INTENSIFY HEALTH SERVICES

THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) and the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) observe the 26th National Statistics Month (NSM), underscoring the theme: “Pagyamanin at Gamitin ang Estadistika, Kalusugan para sa Lahat ay Abot-Kamay Na.” The focus of this year’s NSM is on the government’s thrust in Universal Health Care and recognition of the various endeavors of official statisticians and technical personnel involved in the generation of health and nutrition statistics.

Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin explained that the role of statistics is deemed crucial in improving lives. The task is not merely to produce data, but more importantly to assess whether the data are transformed into information as decision-making tool of policy makers and data users.

The annual celebration of the NSM is aimed at: (a) promoting, enhancing, and instilling nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society; and (b) eliciting the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading quality and standards of statistics in the country.

“Statistics play a vital function in maintaining good health status of the population and combating dilemma of health inequity. Today’s modern age require health services, technologies and innovations driven by evidence-based information. It monitors adequacy of currently implemented programs and initiatives. Also, it served as baseline in determining if efforts are needed to be intensified further.” Garin said.

The health chief expounded that statistics serves as a critical role in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) directed towards health which pertains to maternal and infant mortality and combating diseases such as HIV and AIDS, Malaria, and other diseases. Furthermore, PSS is preparing to monitor the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which emphasizes the need of data in population and health and utilize the gathered data in health programs and policies.

“Let us spread and use statistics to extensively save lives. Ating Pagyamanin at Gamitin ang Estadistika nang sa gayon kalusagan para sa lahat ay makamtan na.” Garin concluded. # Source – www.doh.gov.ph