APPLICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH POLICIES, PLANS AND GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO INFLUENZA AH1N1 VIRUS
originally found among swine population in Mexico, and similar
occurrences in other countries, the WHO initiated the global alert and
response to the influenza AH1N1 virus, recently identified as the
causative agent of the imminent pandemic.
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), in compliance with
Presidential Decree No. 1566 entitled, Strengthening the Philippine
Disaster Control Capability and Establishing a National Program on
Community Disaster, has mandated the Secretary of Health to Chair the
NDCC response to the influenza AH1N1 threat.
In order to execute effective, efficient and coordinated actions by
the health sector to prevent, contain and control the transmission of
influenza, the Department of Health, through the Emergency management
Task Force for Influenza AH1N1 or Task Force Influenza, is issuing
several guidelines and other official issuances as common reference to
synchronize actions in response to influenza AH1N1.
Because this is the first time that influenza AH1N1 is affecting
human populations, its epidemiologic trend and clinical effects are
largely unpredictable. Thus, the DOH will exercise its mandate to
provide directions and courses of action as lead agency for health
emergencies. The DOH, from time to time, will issue technical and
operational guidelines that shall apply to and/or be enforced by
national, sub-national and local government entities, non-government
organizations, development partners and other agencies and organizations
engaged in or affecting public health protection and health care
provision.
This administrative order serves to enforce department circulars,
memoranda, advisories and other issuances related to the influenza AH1N1
emergency. Among other concerns, the DOH is issuing guidelines on guide
for travelers, infection control and use of personal protective
devices, screening and laboratory confirmation procedures, clinical
management of confirmed cases, and on surveillance and contact tracing.
This Order takes effect immediately.
Adopted: 04 May 2009
(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MSc
Secretary of Health