OBJECTIVES
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To assess the
health needs of victims in identified areas contaminated by toxic
wastes.
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To conduct a
thorough medical and laboratory diagnostic work up to patients suffering
from different types of illnesses/symptoms.
-
To
conduct/refer patients needing hospitalization and/or further medical
intervention.
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To document all
activities of the project and come up with case studies of selected
patients.
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To continue
case finding work especially in nearby areas outside Clark Air Force
Base.
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To promote
collaboration among government agencies and Non-governmental
organizations on addressing the toxic waste issue in former US bases in
the Philippines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
This project was
conceptualized to respond to the needs of the victims of toxic waste
contamination at former Clark Air Force Base in Angeles City, Pampanga. A
health survey has been done by Dr. Rosalie Bertell, a doctor/scientist
from Canada which revealed some trends in respiratory cases, reproductive
disorders among women and some cases related to CNS disorders among
children like cerebral palsy, congenital deformities and other forms of
illnesses among residents in the CABCOM resettlement site in Pampanga and
other adjoining communities near Clark area.
At present, a
collaborative effort is being undertaken by concerned government agencies
and the People's Task Force for Bases Clean-up on different types of
intervention, hopefully, to bring back the dignity of life that was lost
especially to some residents who suffered more and still survived the
calamity of being a lahar and toxic waste victim at the same time.
There are still
many things to be done. A clean-up of the former US bases is needed! But
before it will happen, the people, especially the children, cannot wait.
They need your help. They need medical attention. They need
food...livelihood and like any of us... they need to have normal lives
again...to live humanly in this world full of struggles....
