The Church is contributing to combatting the Zika virus in Philippines

The Church in the Philippines offers its contribution in the effort to combat the spread of the Zika virus in the country, joining the widespread awareness campaign prepared by government authorities.
 

Camillian Fr. Dan Vicente Cancino, Secretary of the Commission for Health in the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said that in several dioceses, ecclesial teams have started to support local officials committed to reaching and informing the population living in areas at risk. "The population exposed is the same that is vulnerable to dengue" explained the Secretary. Fr. Cancino has urged the government to a stronger and determined commitment to combat an epidemic that has already taken hold in America.  

Prevention is indeed a key strategy, while there is still no specific treatment or vaccine to prevent the Zika virus. It is endemic in parts of Africa and Asia. The most affected countries are Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador. (Fides)