Wellness in Tech: Pres. Duterte approves national broadband program

Duterte approves national broadband program –Piñol | SciTech | GMA News Online: "President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday approved the establishment of a national broadband plan, according to Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol. 

In a Facebook post, Piñol said Duterte gave his approval after Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima made his presentation during the 13th Cabinet meeting in Malacañang. 



On-going Cabinet meeting
 
PRESIDENT DUTERTE APPROVES
NATIONAL BROADBAND PROGRAM
 
President Rody Duterte has approved the...
 

Posted by MannyPiñol on Sunday, March 5, 2017
  




"Pres. Duterte emphasized the need for faster communications in the country," Piñol wrote. 

"Pres. Duterte earlier said he would like DICT 'to develop a national broadband plan to accelerate the deployment of fiber optics cables and wireless technologies to improve internet speed,'" he added. 

Salalima submitted three options to the Office of the President in October 2016 to implement a national broadband program. One of the options included installation of a national broadband network from scratch, which could cost the government P77 billion to P200 billion.

The DICT's national broadband plan was a response to Duterte's marching orders at his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2016, in which he pushed for free WiFi access to more areas in the countryside. 

A national broadband plan was also in the works during the time of former President and incumbent Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 

The US$329 million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China's ZTE Corp. signed in April 2007 was cancelled by Arroyo in October 2007 following allegations of corruption and irregularities. — TJD, GMA News"



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Environmental pollution kills 1.7 million children each year -WHO

Download the Infographic pdf file at:

http://who.int/ceh/publications/ceh-Infographics-2017-english.pdf?ua=1&utm_source=WHO+List&utm_campaign=a5120e56a1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_823e9e35c1-a5120e56a1-266698981





Environmental pollution kills 1.7 million children each year - wellnesspilipinasinternational@gmail.com - Gmail: "Environmental pollution kills 1.7 million children each year



More than 1 in 4 deaths of children under 5 years of age are attributable to unhealthy environments. Every year, environmental risks – such as indoor and outdoor air pollution, second-hand smoke, unsafe water, lack of sanitation, and inadequate hygiene – take the lives of 1.7 million children under 5 years, say two new WHO reports.
"



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WHO News: Continues to work with Nigerian (Nigeria) Ministry of Health and partners to reach those in need with lifesaving health care

Years of violent conflict have deprived millions of people in north-eastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, western Chad and south-east Niger of even the most basic health care services. Malnutrition is widespread and in the 3 worst-affected states of Nigeria nearly 6 million men, women, children and infants urgently need health assistance. WHO continues to work with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and partners to reach those in need with lifesaving health care.

Roughly 17 million people are affected by crisis in the Lake Chad Basin

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Source: WHO | 10 things you should know about the crisis in north-eastern Nigeria:





"10 things you should know about the crisis in north-eastern Nigeria

February 2017

The humanitarian crisis in north-eastern Nigeria has intensified after eight years of violent conflict. The crisis has evolved over the years leading to widespread displacement and devastation as well as acute food and nutrition insecurity and a desperate shortage of essential health care.


UN
North-eastern Nigeria is at the heart of the larger Lake Chad Basin crisis (north-eastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, western Chad and south-east Niger), which affects some 17 million people. WHO and partners are seeking to help 8.2 million people with health assistance across the region.


WHO/S. Zimble
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With less than half of its health facilities functional, Borno is the worst affected of the states in north-eastern Nigeria. Working with the Nigerian Government, WHO assessed the state’s 749 known health facilities and found that one-third were completely destroyed and another third were damaged. Of the health facilities that still function, 60% are supported by one or more of the 18 health sector partners.

Infographic: Health system in north-eastern Nigeria
pdf, 2.12Mb

WHO/A. Clements-Hunt
24 mobile medical teams supported by WHO are deployed to the most remote and insecure parts of Borno State to provide urgently needed essential health care. The teams carry out more than 4000 consultations each week, including immunization, ante-natal care and testing and treatment of malaria. The teams respond to the movements of internally displaced persons and areas lacking health facilities to try and bring health services to those who need them most. 79 additional mobile teams are run by other health partners.

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WHO teams assist people in hard-to-reach areas of Nigeria

WHO
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In Borno State, 160 health facilities use the WHO disease Early Warning Alert and Response System (EWARS). WHO has trained hundreds of health facility surveillance focal points to use EWARS since August 2016, enabling rapid detection and response to public health outbreaks for around 85% of the state’s 1.8 million internally displaced persons.

EWARS: a simple, robust system to detect disease outbreaks

WHO/H. Dicko
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Millions of people in Borno State have had limited or no access to regular health services over a number of years, leading to very low vaccination rates. The ongoing movement of internally displaced people also makes it difficult to track those who have or have not been immunized. WHO supported a measles vaccination campaign in January 2017 which reached nearly 3 million children. Polio is still endemic in Nigeria, but WHO and its partners have vaccinated over 1.8 million children under five against the disease in a continued effort to eradicate it.

Millions of children to receive measles vaccine in north-eastern Nigeria
Government of Nigeria reports 2 wild polio cases, first since July 2014
Polio programme underpinning measles campaign in Nigeria

WHO/A. Clements-Hunt
WHO has supported the training and deployment of almost 300 community workers. These volunteers provide essential malaria, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection treatment to children under 5 in some of the most inaccessible areas of Borno state where formal health care structures are not functioning.

However, in 2017...


WHO/S. Zimble
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Constant conflict continues to challenge the abilities of WHO and health sector partners to access people who are most in need of basic health services. Insecurity is a major constraint, with recent attacks on humanitarian staff. Access to local government areas requires military escort on poor roads and communication with many of these areas is extremely limited.


WHO/A. Zouiten
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Disease outbreaks will pose a greater threat as temperatures continue to rise over the coming weeks and months. The start of the rainy season in April will further heighten the risk of cholera and meningitis epidemics and cases of malaria, which has become endemic in the north-east of the country, are also expected to rise.


WHO/A. Clements-Hunt
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Malnutrition rates are well above emergency thresholds in many parts of north-eastern Nigeria. The need for food assistance is likely to increase even further next month when stores from last year’s poor harvest run out. According to the Nigeria-National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHS-2015), 2.6 % of children aged 6-59 months in Borno State have Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). UNICEF warns of an estimated 450 000 child SAM cases in 3 states of the north-east in the next 12 months.


WHO/A. Clements-Hunt
A constant threat of insecurity keeps people on the move. Eight years of conflict has forced more than 2.3 million people to flee their homes throughout the Lake Chad Region, sometimes multiple times. With a population in flux, it is difficult to ensure that people have regular access to the basic health services they need.

Nigeria crisis
Nigeria Emergency Response Plan 2017
Lake Chad Basin Emergency Response Plan 2017
Infographic: Health system in north-eastern Nigeria
pdf, 2.12Mb"



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HEALTH: 10 Ways to improve the quality of care in health facilities -WHO

There is increasing global awareness that good quality care is key to keeping mothers and babies alive and well. Today, each year there are 303 000 deaths of women during pregnancy and childbirth, 2.6 million stillbirths, and 2.7 million deaths of babies during the first 28 days of life. Better care can prevent many of these deaths.

More babies are being born in health facilities. A new UN- and partner-supported "Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health" aims to help countries improve the quality of care in those facilities and to respect the rights and dignity of those who seek care.

This photo story describes some of WHO’s recommendations on how countries can improve quality of care in their health facilities and prevent maternal and newborn deaths, based on its Standards for improving quality of maternal and newborn care in health facilities.

UNICEF/Asselin

Pregnant women should receive the right care, at the right times

WHO recommends a woman see her health provider at least 8 times during her pregnancy to detect and manage potential problems and reduce the likelihood of a stillbirth or neonatal death. Antenatal care also offers an opportunity for health workers to provide a range of support and information to pregnant women, including on healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, and family planning.

Save the Children/C. Dowsett

Newborns should receive essential care immediately after birth

Newborns should be kept in skin-to-skin contact on their mother’s chest and enabled to breastfeed. They need to be kept clean and warm, and given care for their eyes and umbilical cord. Bathing should be delayed for 24 hours, vitamin K and vaccines given as per national guidelines, temperature monitored, and complications identified and managed. A complete assessment before discharge, normally around 24 hours, serves as a first postnatal check-up.

European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants

Small and sick babies should be well cared for in a facility

Small babies (such as preterm babies or babies born small for their gestational age) are at much greater risk for death during the neonatal period and for long-term health problems and lifelong disabilities. These babies should be kept warm at all times and fed with their mothers’ own breast milk. Mothers should be supported to practise kangaroo mother care as the baby’s condition allows. Very small and sick newborns should be cared for in well-equipped neonatal units and closely monitored by trained staff for complications.

UNICEF/Sampson

All women and newborns must receive care that prevents hospital-acquired infections

Hospital-acquired infections increase the risk of death and disease, and add to the cost of care and the duration of stay in a hospital. Standard precautions are essential to prevent hospital-acquired infections. These include washing hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before and after examining a patient, safely storing and disposing of infectious waste and sharp objects, and sterilizing and disinfecting instruments in the labour and delivery room and newborn care area.

Save the children/Jane Hahn

Health facilities must have an appropriate physical environment

Health facilities must have water, energy, sanitation, hand hygiene, and waste disposal facilities which are functional, reliable, and safe. The space needs to be designed, organized, and maintained to allow for privacy and facilitate the provision of quality services. Facilities also need to have adequate stocks of medicines, supplies, and equipment.

UNICEF/Siddique

Communication with women and their families must be effective and respond to their needs

Patients should receive all information about their care and should feel involved in all decisions made regarding their treatment. Effective communication between health providers and patients can reduce unnecessary anxiety and make childbirth a positive experience for a woman, even if she experiences complications.

UNICEF/Singh

Women and newborns who need referrals can obtain them without delay

Health facilities should have available equipped transport services that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to transport women and newborns as necessary. A list of known network facilities and their telephone numbers should be readily available. The referral system is also supervised and accountable, with a policy that protects women from financial barriers.

UNICEF/Asselin

No woman should be subjected to harmful practices during labour, childbirth, and the early postnatal period

Unnecessary and harmful practices can lead to complications and harm mothers and their newborns. These include routine enemas and pubic or perineal shaving before vaginal birth, immediate bathing of the baby, keeping well babies away from the mother, and advertising and promoting breastfeeding substitutes and bottle-feeding.

UNICEF/Ose

Health facilities need well-trained and motivated staff consistently available to provide care

All labour and childbirth areas of the health facility should have competent, well-trained staff and skilled birth attendants present 24-hours a day in sufficient numbers to cope with the expected workload. Common barriers for midwifery personnel to provide quality care include low social esteem, poor pay, long working hours, insufficient staffing, and lack of fully functioning facility environments. It is important to focus on professional education and health workforce management that builds on the experiences of midwives.

UNICEF/Singh

Every woman and newborn should have a complete, accurate, and standardized medical record

All babies should receive a birth certificate. Complete, accurate medical recording is important for documenting care, clinical follow-up, early detection of complications, and health outcomes, and helps to identify areas for improvement. Details of newborns, including vaccinations, gestational age, birth weight and examination findings, should be recorded in a system that allows the linking of women and their newborns in all records.

Source: WHO | 10 Ways to improve the quality of care in health facilities:



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President Duterte is against martial law

No martial law; Palace slams ‘misreporting’: "Malacañang clarified last night as it assailed what it described as an “inaccurate reporting” of his remarks.

Wire agencies previously quoted Duterte as saying he would impose martial law if the drug problem became “very virulent,” just a month after dismissing as “nonsense” any suggestion he might do so.

Duterte, speaking to members of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce late Saturday, said he has sworn to protect the country against all threats, including drugs, which he said has affected about  four  million people.

“If I wanted to, and it will deteriorate into something really very virulent, I will declare martial law. No one can stop me,” he said, referring to the Supreme Court and Congress. “My country transcends everything else, even the limitations.”

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement that “the President has categorically said no to martial law.  He even made a pronouncement saying that martial law did not improve the lives of the Filipinos.”  

 “We therefore decry the latest misreporting that the President will declare martial law simply ‘if he wants to’ or that ‘no one can stop the President from declaring martial law.’ Such headlines sow panic and confusion to many.  We consider this kind of reportage as the height of journalistic irresponsibility,” he added.

Andanar said the President mentioned declaring martial law “only under the premise that the country has deteriorated into an utter state of rebellion and lawlessness.” 

 “As President, he recognizes the challenges and limitations set by our Constitution in declaring martial law but he would nonetheless act accordingly if it warrants the preservation of the nation,” he said.

In an interview last month, Duterte said he may declare martial only if there is an invasion from a foreign country. 

“Maybe an invasion from other country but rebellion and insurrection, wala yan (that’s nothing),” he told ABS-CBN News Channel.

“Just declare war against them. You don’t have to declare a war against the Republic of the Philippines,” he added.

Duterte has made a brutal war on drugs a central pillar of his administration since he took office in June.

Since July, more than 6,000 people have been killed in the anti-drug campaign, in both police operations and unexplained killings by suspected “vigilantes.” More than one million drug peddlers and users have been arrested or have surrendered to authorities.

Duterte said that if people wanted the killings to stop, then terrorists should drop their guns and those in the illegal drugs trade to give it up.

Almost seven months into his administration and Duterte continues to be saddled with criticisms on the rising number of extrajudicial killings.

“You want no killings? You want a city with no military men, no patrol cars whatever? You want funeral parlors to go bankrupt? It’s easy. Drop your guns if you are a terrorist; drop the shabu tonight and tomorrow it will be heaven,” the President said.

He has no plans of letting up in his fight against the illegal drug trade, pointing out that the industry has flourished over the years making the Philippines a “narco” state.

The Philippines endured a decade of martial law from the early 1970s and memories of campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights are fresh in the minds of many people.

Last month, Duterte appeared to rule out any possibility he might declare martial law saying, “That’s nonsense. We had martial law before, what happened? Did it improve our lives now? Not at all.”

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman cautioned the President against declaring martial rule, citing the restrictive provisions of the Constitution that limits it.

“President Duterte’s threat to declare martial law is a menacing pendulum from outright denial to a veiled intention,” the opposition lawmaker said.

He reminded Duterte, who is a lawyer, that the Constitution requires that “the basis for the declaration of martial law is the existence of an invasion or rebellion, when public safety requires it.” – With Reuters, Jess Diaz, Edith Regalado"



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French, Phl senators discuss environmental, diplomatic cooperation

Included in the talks are cooperation and ties between the Philippines and France, especially the issue on climate change.

The meeting was led by Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, together with Sen. Loren Legarda, head of the Philippine-France Parliamentary Friendship Association, Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon, senators Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joseph Victor ejercito and their French counterparts senators Gerard Miquel, Bernard Saugey, Claude Lenoir and Simon Sutour.

According to Sen. Pimentel, the meeting is important because after a 16-year hiatus or lack of inter-parliamentary cooperation and exchanges between the French Republic and the Senate of the Philippines, it is high time to promote the parliamentary diplomacy and the exchange of best practices of the two countries.

“With this visit, we can renew and deepen our inter-parliamentary cooperation with France once more, exchange best practices and pursue global advocacies such as climate, sustainable development, poverty alleviation and improvement of economic and trade relations,” said Sen. Pimentel

For his part, Sen. Miquel, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Friendship group said, it is important to promote economic cooperation between the Philippines and France.

Aside from Philippine senators, the French senators will also meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Cebu Mayor Tomas Osmeña during their four-day state visit. — Joyce Balancio | UNTV News & Rescue



The post French, Phl senators discuss environmental, diplomatic cooperation appeared first on UNTV News.

Duterte declares January as ‘National Bible Month’

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation Number 124 to declare the month of January as the National Bible Month while the last week of January is designated as the National Bible Week.

The proclamation signed by the President on January 5, 2017 declares that the state recognizes the religiosity of Filipinos and the influence of religion in society.

The government has also vowed to maintain its neutrality in dealing with members of the religious community in the country.

It also promised to continue supporting the strengthening of ethical and spiritual values of Filipinos as stated in the 1987 Constitution.

The proclamation also states that history is a witness to the positive impact of reading the Bible on society and how it inspires people to do good deeds. — Aga Caacbay | UNTV News and Rescue


https://sg.news.yahoo.com/duterte-declares-january-national-bible-023023746.html