THE World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday expressed concern over the high number of healthcare workers in the Philippines afflicted with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“The infection among healthcare workers is very worrisome. The worrisome trend we see in the Philippines, where the percentage is 13 percent. It is very worrisome,” said Dr. Abdi Mahamud, WHO incident manager of for the Western Pacific region.
He noted that other countries in the Western Pacific Region show only about 2 to 3 percent infection among healthcare workers.
“The Philippines is a bit of an outlier… South Korea, Australia, Japan have low percentage (of infected healthcare workers),” said Mahamud of the countries with the highest COVID-19 cases in the region after China.
Asked for the possible reason behind it, the WHO official said they are still analyzing their data. He, however, said initial assessment point to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and training on how to use it, among others.
“It underscores the importance of personal protection. WHO is working closely with member states in providing PPE so that we protect this crucial important workforce,” said Mahamud.
Another possible cause, he said, is the “overwhelmed” Philippine health system, where more people go to healthcare facilities.
“We are working very closely with the Minister of Health to determine reasons why the Philippines has a high percentage — 13 percent — among infected health care workers,” said Mahamud.
Last week, the Department of Health said 766 health workers have COVID-19, including 339 physicians and 342 nurses. There have been 22 deaths.
