Legal Authority and Responsibility
- Local Government Units (LGUs), especially at the provincial and city levels, are empowered and required to address local health problems including NT.
- The Department of Health (DOH) possesses the technical expertise and resources to guide the elimination effort.
- The President of the Philippines, exercising executive powers, formally declared a National Neonatal Tetanus Elimination campaign.
Scope and Implementation of the Campaign
- The campaign targets provinces and cities with reported cases of NT.
- LGUs, particularly provincial and city governments, shall lead the campaign's implementation.
Key Responsibilities of Local Government Units
- Identify NT high-risk areas based on:
- High incidence of NT cases
- Low coverage of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccination among women, defined as receiving at least two doses before childbirth
- Presence of traditional birth attendants ("hilots"), especially untrained ones contributing to unclean childbirth practices
- Absence of reliable data related to these risk factors
- Determine underlying causes for persistence of NT in these areas.
- Conduct comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns aimed at educating communities on NT prevention and immunization strategies.
- Sustain continuous monitoring of anti-tetanus protection among women of child-bearing age.
- Track and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of elimination efforts through statistical monitoring.
Role of the Department of Health
- Define and rigorously develop the detailed strategies and operational aspects of the NT Elimination campaign.
- Coordinate with LGUs and other stakeholders to establish necessary partnerships and linkages.
Involvement of Other Entities
- Government agencies aside from DOH, non-governmental organizations, civic and religious groups, professional organizations, and private sector entities are called upon to actively support and participate.
Campaign Duration and Goal
- The elimination campaign is ongoing until NT deaths among newborns are completely eradicated in the Philippines.
Final Proclamation
- The campaign is formally declared by the President through a Proclamation signed on August 26, 1997.
- The proclamation serves as a directive for government and non-government stakeholders to unite in this public health effort.