The way Seriously Addictive Math (or S.A.M) has changed
the way Filipino children appreciate math is undeniable. With their focus away
from rote learning and memorization, S.A.M has helped kids learn math concepts
independently- emphasizing, instead, on conceptual understanding, critical
thinking and solving complex math problems.
Before enrolling in the S.A.M program, students first
take a diagnostic assessment so their math skills can already be gauged. This
way, kids are given a calibrated learning plan based on their abilities and the
pace they will be comfortable in. Once evaluated, they start their sessions
with Certified S.A.M. Trainers who have been equipped with various tools and
methods needed to coach the child.
With the aim of teaching math in a fun way, the trainers
engage kids using dialogue and probing questions. They also use toys and games,
as well as a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach which jog up the
multi-sensory skills of children. A coaching pedagogy is provided where
students are trained to discover their own solutions and explain the process
rather than spoon feed the answers. Later on this will make them independent
and build their self-confidence when solving math problems.
Dengue is a serious viral infection transmitted from one
person to another by the Aedes mosquito, principally Aedes aegypti. It is the fastest spreading vector-borne
disease in the world, endemic in over 100 countries, with 40% of the world’s
population at risk. Roughly 500,000 people a year require hospitalisation from
a severe form of the disease, 2.5% of whom die.
DENGUE IS NUMBER ONE HEALTH CONCERN IN SOUTHEAST ASIA,
NEW SURVEY FINDS
- 73%
worry about dengue, but only one-third feel prepared and in control
- More
than 70% believe there is a cure for dengue and that antibiotics are needed to
manage symptoms
- 84% are
keen to learn more about how to treat and prevent the disease, and parents feel
dengue education should be taught in schools
- Allied
Against Dengue is committed to raise awareness on dengue prevention and
management across Southeast Asia through engagement, empowerment and education
Dengue, the fastest spreading viral disease in the world,
is also the number one concern in Southeast Asia (SEA),
according to the SEA Dengue Survey. Commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline
(GSK) Consumer Healthcare, the survey takes a comprehensive, present-day look
at the prevention and management of Dengue, which outranked dangerous viruses
such as Zika and HIV.
GSK is one of the founders of Allied Against Dengue
(AAD), an open movement initiated by public and private institutions with a
mission to reduce the impact of the disease on society. The pharmaceutical
company presented the highlights of the survey at a scientific forum on ASEAN
Dengue Day in Legazpi, Albay.
Two thirds of respondents are anxious about widespread
occurrence of the virus, and almost 40% have had an immediate family member who
has suffered from it. While governments
in the region have made extensive efforts to inform their citizens, dengue
continues to be a huge burden to society.
“The impact of dengue has dramatically risen over the
past few decades, putting about half of the world’s population at risk,” says
Debjit Rudra, Area General Manager for Southeast Asia, GSK Consumer Healthcare.
“Southeast Asia alone carries the highest prevalence of dengue, affecting 2.9
million people annually, representing the biggest regional burden in the
world.”
There is also rampant misunderstanding among the public,
with more than 70% in the region and almost 80% in the Philippines mistakenly
believing there is a cure, or that
antibiotics are needed to manage dengue symptoms. A low 28% of Filipino respondents are aware
that paracetamol is the only recommended medication for dengue fever management
as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). One of the trusted paracetamol brands in the
Philippines is Calpol, which is proven safe and efficient in relieving pain and
fever among children who are most vulnerable to the disease.
Beyond management, survey findings also uncovered that
there is still a struggle to identify the symptoms of dengue in the
Philippines. Only 19% know that dengue can be detected on the first day of
infection and that majority would only visit the doctor when fever persists up
to 3 days. Ironically, more than half of
parents are confident that they would be able to diagnose their children with
dengue, which may lead to misdiagnosis
and place children in jeopardy.
“It is alarming that a large proportion of the population
are misinformed about dengue management. This emphasizes the greater need for
education,” Rudra says. “In light of these results, the AAD will continue to
intensify its public advocacy program to mitigate the impact of dengue on
communities in the region.”
On a positive note, the survey revealed that 95% of
Filipinos are interested to learn more about dengue, and almost all parents feel schools should
play a role in educating students about the disease.
Initiated by a coalition of 12 organizations, the AAD
launched its pilot educational campaign in Indonesia in 2015, followed by
Malaysia and the Philippines. More than 11,500 healthcare professionals and
pharmacists joined efforts to empower and educate more than seven million
patients on disease prevention and management across digital and media
channels, and on-ground activations.
Active members of AAD, alongside GSK in the country, are
the Department of Health (DOH) and Mercury Drug Corporation. Each organization
provides their expertise in support of defeating dengue burden in the
Philippines.
“Dengue is rife in Southeast Asia and, as a coalition
partner; we can play an active role in society empowerment. The AAD is a
perfect model on how we can join forces, and leverage on our collective
strength and partnerships to drive awareness. The results of the survey will
guide us on developing initiatives to educate people better,” Rudra says.
