The Department of Health plays a crucial role in promoting, protecting, and improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities in the country. Programs run by the DOH are designed to address a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases, mental health, and more. The importance of these programs cannot be overstated, as they impact the health of individuals, families, and communities across the nation. However, the findings of Capstone-Intel Corporation’s research reflect a different perception of this matter.
Based on a nationwide survey conducted by Capstone-Intel, there is a marked lack of awareness among the public about the various DOH initiatives. Notably, this includes programs aimed at improving mental health, national tuberculosis control, universal healthcare, national HIV/AIDS, and the enhancement of healthcare facilities.
The research involved a total of 1,205 participants and yielded significant findings. Specifically, the study showed 50% of the respondents had knowledge of the national HIV/AIDS program implemented by the agency. Additionally, 45% of them were aware of the Universal Health Care program, while 44% knew about the national tuberculosis control program. Regarding other initiatives, 42% of participants were familiar with the mental health program, and 28% were aware of the health facility enhancement program.
Based on the available data, it appears that the situation may have national implications that warrant the attention of the government. This viewpoint is supported by the observations of Dr. Guido David, Chief Data Expert of Capstone-Intel.
“Lack of awareness of the DOH programs can lead to a lack of participation in health promotion and disease prevention activities. For example, if only a small portion of the population is aware of the importance of getting vaccinated, the overall vaccination rate would be low, leading to increased susceptibility to preventable diseases. Similarly, if only a few people are aware of the benefits of regular health check-ups, many individuals may miss out on critical screenings and early detection of illnesses,” explained Dr. David.
“One of the DOH’s top priorities should be to implement comprehensive and consistent public education and awareness initiatives. This is essential to ensure that the public is well-informed and engaged in the Department’s programs, even in the most remote regions of the country,” he added.
Capstone-Intel aims to deliver objective, non-partisan research on issues of national importance. The DOH survey was conducted from August 1-10, 2023 with strict protocols to ensure data reliability and accurate representation of public opinion across the Philippines’ urban and rural areas.
