The Casanare Health Secretariat carried out the VI Epidemiological Surveillance Committee in person, with a main focus on safe motherhood and sexually transmitted infections. The event was attended by public health representatives from all the municipalities of the department and representatives of the Benefit Plan Administration Entities (EAPB).
During the day, the situation of events of public health interest (EISP) notified until epidemiological week 24 of 2024 and the surveillance indicators related to safe motherhood and sexually transmitted infections, led by the Surveillance Group in Public health.
The Program for the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Events of Interest in Sexual and Reproductive Health intervened with the following topics of the Acceleration Plan for the Reduction of Maternal Mortality (PARE) and its six strategic lines:
The results of the Safety Instrument for Online Emergency Obstetric Care (ISABEL) were presented, applied to understand the care provided to pregnant women in obstetric emergencies in sponsored hospitals.
The strategy for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and Chagas disease (ETMI-PLUS) indicated that, in Casanare, during 2024, of 824 pregnant women, 791 (96%) were screened for Chagas, 809 (98.2%) for hepatitis B, 819 (99.4%) for HIV and 819 (99.4%) for syphilis.
Between epidemiological weeks 1 to 24 of 2024, 5,339 cases of events of public health interest were reported. Vector-borne diseases, zoonotic diseases, and the group of mental health and externally caused injuries topped the list, followed by safe motherhood, nutritional surveillance and sexually transmitted infections.
The Departmental Secretariat of Health reported that it maintains the health emergency due to dengue and reminded the community of the importance of maintaining prevention and protection measures against the winter wave. Recommended measures included:
Acute respiratory infections
– Use of face masks in closed spaces.
– Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces.
– Good hygiene practices.
– Keep the vaccination schedule up to date.
Vector Borne Diseases
– Cover containers with water and eliminate accumulated garbage.
– Frequently change the water in animal drinkers.
– Use repellents and appropriate clothing.
– Use mosquito nets and wash tanks and pools.
Food or Waterborne Illnesses
– Ensure the supply of safe water.
– Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
– Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them.
– Keep food well covered and refrigerated.
Diseases Transmitted by Rodents
– Prevent rodents from entering homes.
– Store food in safe places.
– Weed and clean perimeters of homes.
Snake Bites
– Wear appropriate footwear in the field.
– Avoid approaching snakes and do not make sudden movements.
– Keep the home space clean and free of waste.
The VI Epidemiological Surveillance Committee highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration to improve surveillance and response to public health events in the department of Casanare.
