Essential function of a community health nurse
PUBLIC Health project in the Philippines is a great way to learn about the public healthcare system in a developing country firsthand and make a difference in the lives of local children and adults. Many adults and children in the Philippines often struggle to access healthcare and cannot afford treatment outside of t he outreach program. Whether you are building a resume for medical school or looking to share your medical experience, you will be able to make a significant contribution to the program and gain experience in the field.
Public Health project focuses on a healthy lifestyle program, which aims to reduce the amount of communicable and non- communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the Department of Health in the Philippines, NCDs account for seven of the ten leading causes of death in the Philippines. NCDs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, are often the result of poor nutrition, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse. NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are the primary cause of death around the world, with over 35 million deaths each year. With changes in lifestyle and diets, NCDs now represent up to 67 percent of deaths in the Philippines, and it is estimated that between 35 percent and 50 percent of these NCD deaths occur before the age of 60.
A lack of education and resources make it difficult to combat these preventable diseases within the country. There are 500,000 Filipinos facing a wide range of physical disabilities, but receive little to no education or rehabilitation and support. Due to financial and health insurance constraints, people with disabilities often cannot afford to go to rehabilitation centers for treatment. Through our community and family based programs, volunteers provide home- based treatment and care to disabled patients. Some volunteers can also run educational workshops in local institutions, or encourage other forms of therapy with the aim of improving the overall health of local communities.
A Public Health nurse aims to educate and raise awareness on these diseases as well as promote healthier lifestyle choices to limit their growth and as a public health care provider, you will address these issues and assist with treating those with symptoms relating to NCDs. Thanks to the work of some volunteers, NGO’s and Public Health Workers hard work, dedication and occasional donations of materials and equipment to local institutions they work with, they are able to help improve the quality of care provided to patients. Volunteers with prior experience and who prove themselves to be committed and proactive will be able to lend a hand and become an extra workforce alongside permanent staff and interns, thus allowing all staff the time required to offer the right level of dedicated care to patients.
Also, t he Department of Health( DOH) through i ts Deployment of Human Resources for Health (HRH) Program deploys doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists,