Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 206)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 206 is to enjoin all sectors of society to support the Department of Health in the laboratory containment of wild poliovirus prior to the certification of the Philippines and the Western Pacific Region as polio-free by the year 2000.
The World Health Assembly adopted the goal of global eradication of poliomyelitis by the year 2000.
Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance is an essential component of polio eradication as it provides proof of the absence of wild poliovirus circulation.
The last case of wild poliovirus in the Philippines was isolated in Cebu in 1993.
The Department of Health (DOH) is the lead agency responsible for coordinating all activities and providing necessary guidelines for the laboratory containment of wild poliovirus.
Yes, all government and non-government agencies are enjoined to voluntarily cooperate and support the DOH and designate a focal person to collaborate in the containment activities.
All government and non-government medical/biological laboratories nationwide are potential sources of the wild poliovirus and are subject to inspection to apply proper containment measures.
There is a public health threat that the wild poliovirus could be reintroduced into the community from these laboratories, posing a threat of global proportions.
Yes, the DOH may call on the assistance of any government or non-government agency, professional groups, international organizations, and other concerned sectors as necessary to achieve polio eradication goals.
This Executive Order took effect immediately upon signing on January 26, 2000.