IPHO-Lanao del Sur responds to armed conflicts in Butig
The province of Lanao del Sur, particularly in Butig municipality, had experienced conflict disturbances between the military and armed groups since year 2015.
First armed encounter happened in late February 2015 and ended in the early half of the year.
On November 26, however, the armed conflict broke out again between the Military and the Maute group. As a result, thousands of families were displaced, affected and had struggled to find refuge from safe areas.
Different government agencies have extended efforts to bring relief to the displaced families.
The Integrated Provincial Health Office of Lanao del Sur headed by Dr. Alinader Minalang went out to aid the health concerns of the refugees.
On November 28, 2016, the IPHO-LDS HEMS team conducted a Rapid Health Assessment in Butig to assess the status in the area in order to prepare for the Disaster Response Medical Mission.
During the activity, it was found out that around 90% of families, 1,668 of which evacuated, were affected by the conflict in Butig alone.
It was estimated that 278 displaced families or 1,668 individuals have evacuated in nearby municipality of Sultan Dumalondong.
In regards to this, a Comprehensive Health Services Response for Internally Displaced Population was conducted on December 2 at Barangay Timbab, Butig, Lanao del Sur.
A total of 1,197 clients was served during the activity; 648 of which were medical services Mental and Psychological Services were also offered to children aged 2-13 years old to address their psychological wellbeing and trauma if there is any.
Health Education Classes were conducted and Jerry Cans, Hygiene Kits and DOH Kits were also distributed to the affected families.
On December 13, a Follow-up Health Services Response was conducted in Brgy. Bayabao Covered Court, Butig, Lanao del Sur and a simultaneous Medical and Dental Mission in Drier Site, Lumbac Bacayawan, Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur.
A total of 1,392 clients were served, 301 of which were dental patients.
The top cases of consultations for the affected individuals included Respiratory Tract Infections, Skin Diseases such as Scabies and Eczema, Fever, Headache and Hypertensions while the children aged under 5 years old suffered from Community Acquired Pneumonia and Acute Gastroenteritis.
The emergency responses were made possible with the coordination of DOH-ARMM, PCD-ARMM, ARMM-HEART, and TV5. (IPHO-Lanao del Sur)
