DOH Launches Health Fiesta Caravan

Press Release:

The Department of Health (DoH) recently launched a health promotion campaign, aiming to bring critical information on healthy practices to Filipino families, especially those in rural barangays.

Called Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK), the health fiesta was attended by some 1,500 Aetas from Barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac last March 3. With their children and family members, Aeta women living on the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo came down to receive maternal health services including pre-natal check up and counseling, and participate in entertaining and educational activities.

DoH director on health promotion Asuncion Anden said the LBK aims to make health information more engaging and memorable. “We know that we learn best in an atmosphere of fun and comfort. This is the LBK experience.”

Tarlac governor Victor Yap lauded the efforts of the DoH in implementing its health reform agenda on Universal Access to Health.

“Making health and medical services readily accessible to the public has always been one of the priorities of the province. And with programs like LBK promoting health prevention and education in a fun and entertaining approach, we can look forward to a future when households will be competent enough to keep their families healthy and productive,” Yap said.

The campaign features a bus that provides basic health information and is used as a mobile counseling and examination clinic for women and children. The bus serves as the central attraction of the health fiesta where people can learn about health practices through an interactive exhibit, entertainment shows, and other fun activities.

The LBK health fiesta caravan will travel to 10 provinces in its first year. Among the stops are Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija in Luzon; Bohol and Negros Occidental in the Visayas; Bukidnon, Zamboanga del Norte, Compostela Valley, South Cotabato, and Maguindanao in Mindanao.

LBK is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Victory Liner Inc., Melawares, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Air21, OMF Literature, Green Cross, Dakila – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, Center for Community Journalism and Development, Manila Broadcasting Company, UNTV, Philippine Press Institute, and the Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International, Inc.