PHM-Exch> Philippines: Community based health programs gather to reaffirm commitment to serve amid repression and economic crisis

[Wim De Ceukelaire]

August 10, 2010

 

Reference:         Sr. Edit Eslopor, OSB – 881-0910 

 

 

Media Release

 

 Community based health programs gather to reaffirm commitment to serve
                  amid repression and economic crisis

 

In the light of the intensifying persecution of health workers in the
Philippines, health professionals and volunteer Community Health Workers
(CHWs) gather today in an assembly meant to reaffirm their dedication
and commitment to serve impoverished communities.  Themed “reaffirm our
commitment to serve the people amidst intensifying repression and
worsening economic crisis”, the event is Council for Health and
Development’s (CHD) 10th General Assembly of Community Based Health
Programs in the Philippines.

 

“Delegates come from different regions such as Bicol, Southern Tagalog,
Central Luzon, National Capital Region, Eastern Visayas, Central and
Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, SOCSSARGENDS, and the
Zamboanga Peninsula who have braved and survived different risks in
community health service,” Sister Edit Eslopor, OSB, chairperson of the
Board of Trustees of CHD said.

 

She added that Community Health Workers themselves are victims of
continuous harassments.  “Despite the odds, community based health
programs staff and CHWs hold on to their commitment to serve the poor
and put people’s interests above self,” Sr. Edit shared.

 

“What happened to the ‘Morong 43’ may have sowed fear among our CHWs and
CBHP staff, but it is only temporary. CBHPs have been around since 1973
and have endured countless obstacles but because of the ever worsening
condition of our public health care system and the absence of basic
social services especially in the rural areas, the need for community
based health programs continue to arise and prove its effectiveness
through various social and economic conditions,” she furthered.

 

Council for Health and Development is the national secretariat of more
than 50 community based health programs in the Philippines.  Along with
Community Medicine Development Foundation (COMMED), they sponsored the
“First Responders’ Health Skills Training” in Morong, Rizal where 43
health workers in the training were illegally arrested and detained. ##


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