2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines
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271
Ensure that adequate and appropriate guidance to frontline workers are available. Appeal
to the WHO to prioritize the needs of older persons in response to the health situation
and to issue appropriate guidelines for health care and social protection, give advice to
older people themselves and their families on how to manage infection risks, deal with
symptoms, and mitigate wider issues such as depression. Include intersectional approaches
that recognize multiple risk factors for discrimination, including disability, gender, and
age. Continue the prioritization of older persons in testing.
272
Work with non-government organizations (NGO) in developing national guidelines based
on the standards from the WHO.
273
Combat ageist policies and ensure that health interventions are non-discriminatory.
274
Make available and accessible health care facilities, goods, and services in sufficient
quantity. Ensure that PWDs, women, children, PDLs and older persons have the means
necessary to maintain their health care needs, including the procurement of adequate
supply of prescription medication and vitamins, as well as the transportation to go to
hospitals and other health facilities. Ensure that those living alone, with disability, and/or
with poor health conditions are provided with hygiene kits, including masks, alcohol, and
disinfectants free of charge.
275
Intensify information dissemination efforts targeted to older people, especially since they
are among the most vulnerable ones in this pandemic.
276
Provide crisis intervention services for mental health and psychological support, maximizing
the use of ICT tools.
277
Provide continuous access to essential health care services to all IDPs, particularly to those
suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. When possible, testing must be readily
available, with testing facilities located near IDP sites, for rapid diagnosis and immediate
isolation. Distribute vitamins, supplements, and medications to each household in all
IDP sites. Conduct a site-specific epidemiological risk assessment of the IDP camps, in
partnership with relevant stakeholders, to determine the risk of COVID-19 propagation
and introduction. Ensure that living arrangements in IDP camps and evacuation centers are
in conformity with COVID-19 readiness and response measures for the general population.
Provide access to clean water and handwashing facilities in all IDP sites given that proper
hygiene and effective handwashing are critical practices in preventing the transmission of
COVID-19.
278
Designate disinfectant areas in IDP sites. Likewise, provide them with personal hygiene
kits, such as alcohol, sanitizers, and face masks. Provide displaced persons access to effective,
safe, timely, and quality health services.
279
Include psychological support in the health services to be provided by the government and
non-government agencies, due to the high stress environment and the traumatic events
that displaced persons may have experienced, coupled with the anxiety and depression that
could be caused by quarantine procedures. Create coordination and referral pathways to
manage psychosocial health cases.
280
Expand healthcare coverage of PhilHealth benefit packages to protect Filipinos from
financial risk.