Oplan Mortein explains the real cost of dengue

“Prevention is better than cure.” That has always been the rallying cry of health experts who continue to stand strong against life-threatening viruses like COVID-19, monkeypox, and of course, dengue – a disease that continues to cause havoc in tropical countries like the Philippines.

On a mission to always protect, heal, and nurture in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world, Reckitt Philippines, the company that created Lysol, launched “Oplan Mortein: Dengue ay Iwasan para sa Kinabukasan” at the San Dionisio New Sports Complex, Parañaque City. The event was made possible through the partnership of Mortein Multi-Insect Killer, led by Sachin Budhraja, the General Manager of Reckitt Philippines, along with the Parañaque City government headed by Honorable Mayor Eric Olivarez, and Brgy. San Dionisio Councilor Majel Co, with the support of the Department of Health (DOH) Parañaque City Health Office Head, Dra. Olga Virtusio.

Center, from left to right: Reckitt Philippines, Mortein Team. Mr. Gian Yap – Category Manager, Hygiene; Mr. Matthew Davis -Marketing Director; Dra Elaine Grace Bognot – Parañaque City Dengue Medical Coordinator; Ms. Micca Mendoza-Bianzon – Marketing Services Manager; and Brgy. San Dionisio participants

Parañaque, which served as the pilot area of the campaign, recorded up to 177 dengue cases from January 1 to July 16, 2022. The biggest portion of cases belonged to the age group 5-9 years old (15%), affecting mostly the male population (56%). 

Sachin Budhraja, General Manager of Reckitt Philippines says:  “With the help of LGU of Parañaque and DOH Parañaque City Health Office, we at Reckitt Philippines & Mortein, are here to fight and end dengue through Oplan Mortein: Dengue ay Iwasan, Para sa Kinabukasan.”

Hon. Eric Olivarez – Parañaque City Mayor & Mr. Sachin Budhraja – General Manager, Reckitt PH.

Mayor Olivarez warmly welcomed Mortein’s initiative in their city in support of their local dengue prevention campaign: “We would like to thank Mr. Sachin Budhraja and the rest of the Reckitt Philippines team for choosing Parañaque as your LGU partner to help promulgate awareness about dengue.”

Parañaque City Health Officer Dra. Virtusio, MD, MPH called the project very timely and necessary:  “It is the month of the year that we are active in campaigning against dengue by promoting DOH’s 4S Strategy. Despite the pandemic, people should be aware that the danger of dengue is still present in the community,” says Dra. Virtusio.

“Oplan Mortein: Dengue ay Iwasan para sa Kinabukasan” featured a one-day course for mothers, barangay health workers, teachers, and community leaders.  Aside from the 4S Strategy, the barangay event also discussed the psychological, emotional, and financial burden brought by dengue. The talk also highlighted the importance of community participation to prevent the spread of the disease.

Dra. Elaine Grace Bognot – Parañaque City Dengue Medical Coordinator.

Parañaque City Dengue Medical Coordinator Dr. Elaine Grace Bognot underlined the need for the public to be informed on the cost of dengue. She cites that one individual, who was admitted at Tanza Family General Hospital due to Dengue Fever, incurred a bill of almost Php60,000 for a four-day stay. This included laboratory fees, medicine, room charges and professional fees. She added: “We have to be vigilant around our community, from knowing the signs & symptoms, to learning the alternative ways we can do at home in fighting-off dengue in our household.” 

From left to right: Ms. Cheng Ramos – Trade Marketing Services Manager; Ms. Micca Mendoza-Bianzon – Marketing Services Manager; Mr. Matthew Davis – Marketing Director; Mr. Sachin Budhraja – General Manager; Hon. Eric Olivarez – Parañaque City Mayor; Dra. Olga Virtusio – Department of Health (DOH) Parañaque City Health Office Head; Brgy. Councilor Majel Co – Brgy. San Dionisio Councilor; Mr. Gian Yap – Category Manager, Hygiene

Mortein, through its partnership with the local government of Parañaque and San Dionisio community participation, aims to mitigate dengue through the use of Mortein Multi-Insect Killer- the only multi-insect killer in the market that has citronella oils. This ingredient is known to be effective in killing and repelling 100% of dengue-causing mosquitoes. Regular use of the Mortein NaturGard Flying Insect Killer Spray (Original & Citrus Scent) and Mortein NaturGard Multi-Insect Killer Spray (Original & Citronella Oil), both available in 250ml and 500ml bottles, is a surefire way to protect your family and their future from dengue.

With Oplan Mortein at the forefront against the fight versus dengue, Reckitt Benckiser underlines its commitment to always protect, heal, and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world. Along with its other products like Strepsils, Durex, Veet, Gaviscon, Lactum, and Enfa, they believe that access to the highest standard in hygiene, health, and nutrition is every person’s right; not a privilege.

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