The programs that the City Health Department (CHD) will focus on other health concerns of the city’s adult and young residents, especially the immunization of children.
Villa, who also served as CHD head from 2014 to 2016, was tapped again by Mayor Michael Rama to be the new head of the department. She replaced Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, who is now the CHD’s assistant head.
In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, Villa said she is happy to be back as head of the CHD. She received the appointment documents from Rama on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Now that she is back as CHD head, Villa said they will focus more on dealing with dengue and tuberculosis cases in the city.
“Ang Covid-19 karon kay menos-menos na man. So, we will look into sa mga programs nga napabayaan kumbaga na set aside because of the pandemic,” said Villa.
(Covid-19 cases are now very few. So, we will look into the programs that have been set aside because of the pandemic.)
These include the expanded immunization program for children and pregnant women and birthing services in every health center in the city, she added.
The CHD will also strengthen its dengue surveillance program as a measure to prevent an outbreak.
“Need nato balikon ang atoang mga community fever surveillance and mo-link ta sa ubang agencies,” said Villa.
(There is a need for us to revive the community fever surveillance and we need to link with other agencies.)
She added that there are several health centers in the city that can perform laboratory tests to determine whether a person has contracted the dengue virus.
Before assuming as the new head of CHD, Villa said Rama tasked her to lead the City’s anti-dengue task force.
According to Villa, the City is now on the right track in addressing this health concern and a decrease in cases can now be observed.
Villa also became the overseer of the Purok System Vaccination Program as part of the City Government’s vaccination campaign.
She also helped in the operation of the New Oasis for Adaptation and a Home at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Villa said she has already requested an inventory of manpower and resources to have a better view of the current status of the department.
“Each area medical officer would report to me… so that I will know kung kabalo ba gyud sila sa ilang area (if they really know their area [of expertise]). They will be reporting to me the inventory of personnel… second is the inventory of supplies and medicine,” said Villa.
Villa added that she has been cooperating with Ibones for the transition, especially on budget matters for 2023.