PSORIASIS AWARENESS
SEC. 13. Psoriasis Awareness Campaign. -
The DOH shall intensify its psoriasis awareness campaign and provide the latest and evidence-based information for the prevention and treatment of psoriasis including practical advice, support and referral for psoriasis patients, their families and carers. The DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology, shall make full use of the latest technology to disseminate information to reach every Filipino.
The awareness campaign must increase psoriasis literacy and understanding of risk factors associated with psoriasis, dispel myths and misconceptions about psoriasis, and reduce the anxiety, fear, distress and uncertainty related to psoriasis.
SECTION 14. National Psoriasis Awareness Month. –
The month of October of every year shall be known as the “National psoriasis Awareness Month” throughout the Philippines. The DOH, in collaboration with LGUs, psoriasis-focused professional societies, academic institutions, shall lead the observance of National psoriasis Awareness Month.
SECTION 15. Health Education and Promotion in Schools, Colleges, and Universities. -
The CHED and the Department of Education, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies and provide technical guidance to academic institutions and administrators to:
(a) Promote and facilitate integration of age appropriate and gender sensitive key messages on psoriasis risk factors, early warning signs and symptoms of psoriasis including lifestyles and healthy diets in their curriculum, health and wellness programs, and co-curricular activities;
(b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support programs for people living with psoriasis, and their family members, especially those who act as carers for psoriasis patients; and
(c) Adopt initiatives that minimize or eliminate stigma and discrimination in schools, colleges, and universities that are experienced by people with psoriasis, psoriasis survivors and their families.
SECTION 16. Health Education and Promotion in the Workplace.
– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Civil Service Commission, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, in coordination with the DOH, shall develop policies and provide technical guidance to employers, employees associations, and unions to:
(a) Promote and facilitate integration of gender sensitive key messages on psoriasis risk factors, signs and symptoms of psoriasis, prevention and control of exacerbation, adoption of healthy lifestyles and healthy diets, in their communication initiatives, health and wellness programs, and employee development programs;
(b) Undertake mainstreaming of practical supportive care and psychosocial support programs for people living with psoriasis, their carers and family members;
(c) Integrate appropriate psoriasis treatment services in their health services and clinics; and
(d) Develop programs, initiatives or mechanisms that shall minimize or eliminate stigma and discrimination in the workplace that is experienced by people living with psoriasis.
SECTION 17. Health Education and Promotion in Communities. –
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and LGUs, in collaboration with the DOH central and regional offices, local psoriasis-focused patient support organizations and psoriasis-focused professional societies, shall lead the health education and promotion campaign in local communities, including out-of-school youth. The DILG, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall conduct and promote age-appropriate and gender-sensitive psoriasis-focused health education.