The Minister of Health, Francisco Coma, reported on September 7 that, as predicted, there is an increase in dengue cases in Guatemala and the number now exceeds 14,000.
The official pointed out that the latest epidemiological report revealed that the country has more than 14 thousand cases, but at the same time he pointed out that actions are being intensified to prevent it.
He commented that the alarm of the cases at the national level and the declaration of a National Health Emergency, many actors have participated in the processes of approaching to fight the disease, to identify the breeding sites and other actions at the community level, at home and with education and training processes.
“This multisectoral effort should be promoted, where there are municipalities, development councils, governors of different departments; “We are actively participating in all the communication processes, using larvicides to reduce the proliferation of mosquitoes,” said Minister Coma.
Departments with many cases
Coma also explained that the departments where there is the highest incidence of dengue in the country have changed little and from that account, Zacapa, Chiquimula, Suchitepéquez, and Quetzaltenango, occupy the first four positions according to highest number of infections.
“For us, the vision is to focus these efforts in all areas of the country, but, of course, also strengthen these points where we notice the greatest growth of dengue.”
Coma pointed out that the communication effort is at the community level, it is the training at the level of schools, and institutions that have contact with many sectors of the population.
“That’s the focus now, it’s very focused on that training that has to do with the personal, because I believe that it’s, let’s say, a possibility to quickly address that when we work on this individual, and when I’m in my house If I notice that there is stagnant water or there is garbage or scrap metal nearby, report it or contact the community itself to take action to eliminate it,” said Coma.
In 15 days
Coma was asked if the increase in dengue cases will continue and explained that the nature of the disease will probably be seen in the next 15 days and during that time they will also see the results of how it behaves epidemiologically from the point of view of disease or number of cases..
“The idea is that with these actions we will begin to notice that it is decreasing, but let’s remember that, unfortunately, we are also entering a period where the rains will intensify, and this also favors the fact that there should be stagnant deposits . water, but the actions are effective, and that’s what we see, because we appreciate the city council of the cities, Cocodes and governors who have many factors that participate in our fumigation processes,” commented said Coma.
Occupancy of hospitals
Regarding the occupation of hospitals by dengue patients, Coma pointed out that the population demands care at the second level of health services.
“Let’s remember, most people start with symptoms and seek help at a health center or health post. Most diagnoses are made clinically. Treatments are provided at that level. Let’s remember that the treatment is hydration and drugs to reduce the fever, and they are also given an education plan where they are told what the warning signs of dengue can be serious,” said Coma.
“For us, the vision is that if we can solve it adequately at the second level of care, it is the possibility of an early approach to the disease. At the hospital level, of course, there is constant consultation, but we first of all, they can be a reference point in serious cases. The reality is that we have not seen, let’s say, a large increase in the percentage of occupancy due to dengue, even though there are patients who have not been consulted and we have been hospitalized,” said Coma.
Regarding the budget of that portfolio, Coma reported that they were given a budget ceiling of Q12,500 million and this is what they have on the table. When asked if that amount is sufficient, the official said that it is a complex issue to understand, but that the gross domestic product allocated to health in Guatemala is very small.
He pointed out that they have already presented their budget proposal for 2024 based on what was assigned to them, but when the new authorities arrive they may have projects or problems and it is expected that they will also make some proposals.
Coma confirmed that until now Health has implemented about 63% of its budget, but in the last four months of the year there was the largest implementation due to the acquisition of vaccines, or the changing funds, or the purchase of medicine.
He expects that by the end of the year almost 97% of the budget will be implemented.
