MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) being the major blood supplier in the country, activated a comprehensive dengue outbreak response plan to address the increasing demand for blood supplies and other critical needs of dengue-affected patients.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon emphasized the importance of the organization’s proactive approach, “I always tell my team the importance of 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice. As many areas in the country are declared under a state of calamity due to the alarming rise of dengue cases, we are implementing a response plan to help government agencies during this crisis. Just like in recent health challenges, this is not just PRC’s fight, it’s all of ours,” Gordon said.

According to the dengue response plan of the PRC Blood Services, the PRC will ensure a steady blood supply. From January 1 to August 21 this year, the humanitarian organization dispensed 3,180 blood units to 1,020 dengue patients including those residing in areas under a state of calamity.

In Iloilo province, placed under a state of calamity on August 20, 826 blood bags were supplied to infected patients. In Maasin, Southern Leyte, 15 units of blood platelets were delivered from its Cebu Chapter. Maasin was also placed under a state of calamity along with other places in Eastern Visayas.

“Araw-araw nagre-report ang 102 chapters ng PRC sa supply nila ng dugo. Kaya very confident ako na kahit nasaan ka man sa bansa, kaya kang bigyan ng Red Cross ng dugo,” Gordon added.

Aside from the provision of blood for transfusion, several programs and activities such as dengue awareness campaigns online and on-ground, health caravans, blood donations, and cleanup drives to prevent the further spread of the disease are also part of the response plan.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang stated “The response plan serves as a compass to PRC national headquarters and its 102 chapters nationwide in conducting activities related to dengue mitigation. With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the Philippines, we are sure that no patient will be denied access to blood.”

For blood needs and assistance, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines 1158 and 143.