Catholic Church to lead Dec. 9 conference on Zika virus

THE RISING cases of Zika virus infection in the country urged the Church officials to partner with the government agency, NGO and other institutions to hold a conference on Zika Virus on Dec. 9 at the Environmental Studies Institute, Miriam College in Quezon City.

Spearheaded by Radio Veritas, the “Filipino Communities Uniting against Zika Virus” conference aims to create awareness about the virus’ modes of transmission, possible signs and symptoms and ways of prevention as well as to develop strategies and activities that may address its causes and effects in the community.

The conference will start at 8 a.m., with guest speakers such as Dr. Lee Suy, director III of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, who will talk about the Basic Information on Zika Virus; Rev. Fr. Dan Cancino, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Healthcare executive secretary; and Dr. Mar Wynn Bello, OIC- director IV of Health Promotion and Communication Service, who will give updates about the Church and the DOH programs and activities dealing with Zika virus, respectively.

Zika Virus Conference is co-presented by CBCP Episcopal Commission on Healthcare, Archdiocese of Manila Healthcare Ministry, Department of Health, Miriam College, Camillian Task Force Philippines and Salute e Sviluppo Philippines, Inc.

Zika virus infection is transmitted by mosquito species (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, or tiger mosquitoes) found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. There are 39 locally-transmitted cases of Zika in the Philippines as of Dec. 5, 2016 according to DOH.

Radio Veritas 846 is owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. Established in 1969, the Ramon Magsaysay recipient Catholic radio station continues to be a leading social communications ministry for truth and new evangelization in the country today.