In humans, health is the general condition wherein mind, body and spirit is free from illness, injury and pains. It is a complete physical, mental and social well being. Having a good health is much greater than any other wealth in the world and maintaining it, is one of the essential concerns of all people especially in children. Children are so playful and full of energy with their daily activities, on the other hand, they are also vulnerable when it comes to germs, bacteria and viruses from the surroundings.
Rotavirus is highly contagious and stable everywhere. It can survive on hands for hours, solid surfaces for days and remains stable and infective in stools for a week the reason why its the leading cause of diarrhea every minute(1 child) worldwide. In the Philippines, at least 13 children under five years old die everyday. Imagine how many innocent children dies before they even explore the world. If even they will survive into it or recurrent diarrhea leads a serious long term effects to a child's growth and development like for example in height, motor and cognitive abilities. Children and babies with recurrent history of diarrhea have an average of 8.2 cm by the age of 7 and it has been calculated that in the first 2 years of life can lead to loss of 10 IQ points. It’s important that children receive healthcare from a doctor who has been guided in school to obtain their medical degree. For them to evaluate more and confidently.
In P-Noy's direction for Universal Health Care Program, the Department of Health includes Rotavirus vaccination in the Expanded Program for Immunization. Through this, it will prevent diarrheal deaths among children under five and will reduce or eradicate our country's overall mortality rate towards achievement of Millennium Development Goal (MDG). GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is producing a vaccine (Rotarix) which comprised of two doses, it must be initially administered orally among newborns six to 12 weeks after birth then the next one is given after four weeks thereafter. The government will cost some 900Php per child, but it will give them a better future and healthy community and better country which we always hope for.
