Group 4- National Health Situation

Summary

The Philippine healthcare system faces challenges with rising degenerative diseases, affecting a population of 90 million with limited access to basic care. Acute upper respiratory infections lead morbidity rates, while ischemic heart disease tops mortality. High maternal and newborn mortality rates, alongside prevalent infectious diseases like tuberculosis, dengue, and HIV/AIDS, highlight the urgency for improved healthcare. The script also addresses the impact of hypertension, lower respiratory infections, and the ongoing fight against COVID-19, urging preventive measures and vaccination.

Takeaways

• 📈 Degenerative diseases are increasing in the Philippines, affecting a population with limited access to basic care.
• 🏥 Acute upper respiratory disease was the leading cause of morbidity in 2020, affecting approximately 2 million Filipinos.
• 💔 Ischemic heart disease was the top cause of mortality in 2020, with a significant increase from previous years.
• 🤰 High maternal and newborn mortality rates, along with high fertility rates, present challenges for healthcare access in the country.
• 📊 Morbidity and mortality are distinct, with morbidity referring to the incidence of new cases and mortality to death rates.
• 🌡 The prevalence of hypertension and acute lower respiratory infections are also significant health concerns in the Philippines.
• 🏥 Heart disease and cancer were the leading causes of death in 2020, with ischemic heart disease accounting for the majority of heart disease deaths.
• 🛑 Cerebrovascular diseases were the third leading cause of death, affecting the supply of blood to the brain and leading to conditions like strokes.
• 😷 COVID-19 was identified as the seventh leading cause of death, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on the country's health situation.
• 🚑 The Philippine healthcare system is strained by a shortage of medical professionals, affecting the efficiency of care delivery.
• 🍼 High rates of malnutrition and child mortality indicate the need for improved healthcare and nutrition programs for children.

Q & A

What is the current national health situation in the Philippines according to the script?

The national health situation in the Philippines is concerning, with degenerative diseases on the rise. Acute upper respiratory disease is the leading cause of morbidity, while ischemic heart disease is the top cause of mortality. Additionally, there is a high prevalence of obesity, heart disease, and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.

How many people in the Philippines do not have access to basic care?

Out of the 90 million people living in the Philippines, many do not have access to basic care, which contributes to high maternal and newborn mortality rates and high fertility rates.

What is the difference between morbidity and mortality?

Morbidity refers to the condition of being diseased, while mortality is the state of being subject to death. Morbidity measures the incidence of new cases of illness within a population over a specific period, whereas mortality measures the number of deaths.

What is the leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines in 2020?

The leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines in 2020 is acute upper respiratory infection, affecting approximately 2 million Filipinos.

How can acute upper respiratory infections be treated?

Acute upper respiratory infections are mostly treated for symptom relief. Some people benefit from the use of capsules, vitamin C, and zinc to reduce symptoms or the duration of the illness.

What are the top two leading causes of mortality in the Philippines?

The top two leading causes of mortality in the Philippines are heart disease and cancer. In 2020, ischemic heart disease surpassed the number of deaths from other causes, while cancer also remained a significant cause of death.

What are the risk factors for ischemic heart disease?

The risk factors for ischemic heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle.

What are the most common types of cancer diagnosed among Filipino men and women?

Among Filipino men, the most common types of cancer are lung, liver, colon or rectum, prostate, stomach, and leukemia. For Filipino women, the most common sites diagnosed are breast, cervix, lungs, colon or rectum, ovary, and liver.

What is the third leading cause of mortality in the Philippines?

Cerebrovascular disease, which includes conditions affecting the supply of blood to the brain, is the third leading cause of mortality in the Philippines.

How many deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in the Philippines in 2020?

In 2020, there were 27,967 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the Philippines, accounting for 4.9% of the total deaths.

What are some of the challenges faced by the healthcare system in the Philippines?

The healthcare system in the Philippines suffers from a shortage of human medical resources, particularly nurses and doctors, leading to a slower and less efficient system. Additionally, healthcare workers are understaffed, underpaid, and overworked.

What is the impact of malnutrition on children in the Philippines?

Malnutrition significantly impacts children in the Philippines, with every 95 children dying from it. Furthermore, 27 out of 1000 Filipino children do not survive past their fifth birthday, and a third of Filipino children are stunted, which can be permanent and irreversible.