Influenza A(H1N1) Informtion Dissemination

June 8 and 16, 2009

The hype of the Influenza A(H1N1) that was caused by the media took the attention of the country from its usual entertainment of scandals and politics. It caused public unrest and fear, especially since there was a huge gap between statistics of people acquiring the virus as well as news of governments ensuring strict measures to contain its spread, and information dissemination. As a proactive response to the pandemic, the UPRCY was invited by Dr. Zayas of the Center for International Studies in UP Diliman to give a talk to her three SEA 30 classes of around forty to fifty students each regarding the Influenza A(H1N1) virus.

To arm the UPRCY members of pertinent information on the health issue, the org requested for an Influenza A(H1N1) Educators' Training from the Community Health and Nursing Service (CHNS) of the QC Red Cross Chapter. The training was conducted by the Chapter Service Representative or the head of the CHNS, Ms. Janice Melody Adolfo on June 8, 2009 at the QC Red Cross Chapter and was attended by UPRCY members Via Go, Hannah Villanueva, Ellaine Lopez, Patrick Caraig, Jean Gregorio, Mel Quintos, Sue Quirante, CJ Prelliguera, Yssa Idolor, Didi Parlade, Kiteng Cabling, Kamille Ignacio, Kash Engada, Steve Santos, Ttin del Prado,Dope Cobarrubia, Khen Bautista, Yanna Feliciano, and UPRCY Faculty Adviser Ms. Loida Famador.

Priorly, the start of classes, supposedly June 9, 2009 for UP Diliman, was suspended for one week by the Department of Education (Dep.Ed) and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for schools to prepare measures to prevent the spread of the virus within their campuses. Hence, the A(H1N1) Lecture for the SEA 30 students commenced on June 16, 2009. Only members who attended the the Educators' Training gave talks regarding the origin and characteristics of the virus, its pathology, its infection statistics, and ways to cure and prevent infections.

Through undergoing the Educators' Training and arming the members with information regarding the A(H1N1) virus, the UPRCY not only dispelled anxiety and misconceptions about the virus, but also performed a small but vital role in keeping the UP Community informed so that it may safeguard its health and well-being.