BHW, 'RNHeals' battle sisto for free

Due to Agusan Del Sur province’s geographic location, “Sisto” (Schistosomiais) becomes an endemic disease. It is an infection caused by Schistosomiasis Japonicum, a Blood Fluke which causes morbidities and mortalities among infected individuals. Hence, the government is annually implementing Schistosomiasis elimination program through mass treatment for the exposed population. In ASSAT, the activity was headed by the assigned health workers lead by Mrs. Luz-Brgy. Registered Midwife together with her team the BHWs (Barangay Health Workers) and the registered nurses of RN Heals Program, Agustin C. Maglahus and Marilou M. Diaz, on August 18, 2013 at the school clinic to all qualified ASSAT populace. The recipient’s blood pressure and weight were taken first before given with Praziquantel, the drug of choice for “Sisto”. Following the dosage guidelines table each client was given certain number of Praziquantel tablets based on their individual weight.

Provision of praziquantel adheres to the Department of Health guidelines and consumption of both doses of praziquantel was also directly observed on the spot. Exclusion to treatment criteria included hypertension measured on site, self-reported history of asthma, allergy, pregnancy, lactation, recent delivery and possible pregnancy, seizure disorder, past surgery or currently experiencing sickness. Participants who were drunk or had been treated in another barangay were also excluded.

After taking the medication recipients were instructed to report to the school clinic for any drug reactions experienced. There were 356 recipients recorded who attended the mass treatment including the ASSAT employees and its students. #with report: Arlene B. Nakila, School Nurse II