Japan Embassy and Fujifilm Philippines Supports TB Eradication with FDR Xair Donation to Olongapo

Turnover of Portable Chest X-Ray Machine for Olongapo City from the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) held in Olongapo City. (L-R) Fujifilm Philippines Inc. Vice President Mr. Takashi Miyako, City Health Officer Dr. Rodrick Bustamante, Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Ms. Tokiko Nishimura, Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino Jr., CHSI Philippines Inc. Managing Director Dr. Carmina Aquino. and Ms. Louie Teng.

Olongapo City - FUJIFILM Philippines, a global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, in partnership with the Japan Embassy in the Philippines and CHSI Philippines, formulated a collective effort in providing an FDR Xair to the local government of Olongapo in a turn over ceremony held today. This initiative is in support of the government’s continuing efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

The donation, facilitated by CHSI Philippines, aims to bolster screening, early detection, and eradication of TB. The FDR Xair, a state-of-the-art portable X-ray system, is instrumental in early TB detection. Its portability and high image quality allow healthcare professionals to perform rapid and accurate screenings in various settings, particularly in remote and underserved communities. By deploying these devices nationwide, FUJIFILM is closing healthcare access gaps and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

According to 2022 data from the Department of Health (DOH), TB claims the lives of approximately 106 Filipinos daily. FUJIFILM’s innovative solutions, such as the FDR Xair, align with global efforts to reach, cure, and prevent TB in the Philippines. This portable device revolutionizes TB screening with its reliable performance, ease of use, and advanced imaging technology, making it particularly effective in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

In March 2023, FUJIFILM Philippines conducted its first Medical Mission and TB screening in Majayjay, Laguna, using their FDR nano and FDR Go Plus systems. The company plans to make this an annual program, continuing to utilize the FDR Xair to provide equitable and sustainable TB interventions. This year, FUJIFILM will make TB screening using FDR Xair available for free at the regular Makati Lingkod Bayan Caravan.

FUJIFILM recognizes the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle the global challenge of TB. By partnering with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector, FUJIFILM aims to build a healthier, TB-free future.

With over 600,000 TB cases reported by the DOH as of December 31, 2023, the urgency for enhanced detection capabilities and coordinated efforts has never been greater. Despite the severity of TB, it remains curable with free medication available at TB DOTS clinics nationwide.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

SSS branch offices in Sulu Archipelago get Starlink satellite internet services

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The Social Security System (SSS) today announced that its three service offices in Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi can now better serve members by equipping it with a more efficient and faster satellite internet connectivity, particularly Starlink.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet sealed a partnership with iOne Resources, Inc., Starlink’s local distributor, to provide high-speed internet connectivity to SSS service offices in remote areas.

Macasaet said that SSS initially procured Starlink satellite internet services initially to be implemented in 10 sites with iOne Resources, Inc. during a ceremonial turnover held at CityMall Tetuan in Zamboanga City.

“We purchased a three-year subscription for 10 sites to provide internet access to our services offices in areas with no available internet service providers or those with internet connectivity challenges,” Macasaet said.

Macasaet explained that three of the 10 identified sites have been deployed with the Starlink, namely: Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi because internet connectivity is difficult in the islands.

He added that seven other sites will be installed with Starlink across the country in the upcoming days.

“Satellite internet technology is ideal for remote locations with a clear line of sight. It can deliver high internet speed from 100 to 200 Mbps with low latency of 25 to 60, ensuring swift data transfers in branch operations,” Macasaet added.

Moreover, Macasaet said that SSS plans to partner with other internet service providers in the country to help its branch and services offices overcome the challenges of internet connectivity, saying, “Internet access has become a necessity since most of SSS services are already available online.”

“With this project, SSS is looking forward to improving its IT infrastructure to boost its system’s uptime and provide more reliable online services to our members, employers, and pensioners,” Macasaet concluded.

Elon Musk’s Starlink introduced satellite internet technology in the Philippines last year and was first rolled out in Metro Manila.

BAN Toxics urges caution in use of mosquito coils, household insecticides, and fogging amid rising dengue cases due to potential health risks

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With DOH data showing 33% increase in dengue cases from January 1 to August 3 compared to the same period last year, environmental NGO BAN Toxics is cautioning the public and urging regulatory agencies to address the hazards posed by harmful chemicals and pollutants of concern in mosquito insecticides.

“Protecting oneself from mosquito bites as part of the anti-dengue strategies should not come at the cost of introducing another health hazard.” This was the statement of Thony Dizon, advocacy and campaign officer of the group. “While mosquito coils are an affordable and effective way to reduce mosquito bites, the burning of these coils and industry malpractices raise public health concerns due to their adverse environmental and health impacts.”

Mosquito coils are insecticide products made from a blend of synthetic chemicals, such as pyrethroids, including esbiothrin, and plant-based materials that deter mosquito bites, hold the coil together, and enable it to burn slowly for approximately 8 hours. Once it starts to burn, the insecticides evaporate with the smoke to help repel or kill mosquitoes and particulate matter (PM) are released. Swallowing of aerosol spray containing pyrethrins may cause breathing difficulty, coughing, tremors, seizures, upset stomach, and vomiting among others.

 
“Burning a single mosquito coil releases the same amount of particulate matter as smoking 75-137 cigarettes. It emits formaldehyde as high as that released from burning 51 cigarettes,” Dizon said, referring to previous scientific studies.

“Exposure to coil smoke may lead to acute and chronic health risks. Prolonged indoor environmental exposure has also been linked to adverse health effects, including asthma, persistent wheeze in children, and lung cancer, neurodevelopmental impairments, reproductive health interference, increased risk of major chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In Taiwan, it has been associated with 50% of lung cancer cases,” Dizon said.

“A growing number of evidence suggests that long-term low level exposure to the chemicals used in fogging produces lasting damage to neurological and cognitive functions. Fogging with pesticides has also negative environmental impacts as it kills all insects, including beneficial insects and not just mosquitoes.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health (DOH) have regularly issued public health warnings against the purchase and use of unregistered household/urban pesticides (HUPs), including a number of mosquito coil brands such as Wawang High Quality mosquito coil, Jinma Katol Mosquito Coils Lengen Micro-Smoke, and BaoMa Black Mosquito Repellent Incense Anti-Mosquitoes. The FDA is responsible for regulating the import and export of mosquito coils.

“The FDA has warned against unregistered mosquito coils and other household insecticides, which may be toxic when inhaled or ingested by toddler or children. The greater risk lies in manufacturers misdeclaring the actual content of active ingredients on the packaging. There have been documented cases of misdeclarations violating FDA regulations in the past,” according to Dizon.

Potential hazards of unverified and unregistered HUPs may arise from harmful, toxic, and banned active ingredients that pose imminent dangers to human and animal health, according to the FDA. The use of substandard or possibly adulterated household and urban pesticide products can lead to adverse reactions, including skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, respiratory disorders, endocrine complications, brain damage, and organ failure.

BAN Toxics encouraged the public to verify if a pesticide product is registered with the FDA. “Switch to organic mosquito coils and bioinsecticides to reduce exposure to toxic synthetic chemicals. Consider using plant-derived alternative products such as neem, citronella, papaya leaves, garlic, and lemongrass as well as other natural insecticides,” Dizon advised.

“We urge the FDA to promptly conduct post-market surveillance and increase public awareness to help protect public health and safety. We also call on local government units to recall violative products that have entered the market and prevent the continued sale of these banned products.”

The public is urged to implement mosquito control measures on their premises to prevent breeding and spread. These measures include removing standing water from gutters and other areas where it can accumulate, maintaining cleanliness, and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites in homes and communities.