The Philippine National Red Cross: Red Cross 143 volunteers around the country have been mobilized to help in the early detection, control and prevention of the possible spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) flu virus, Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Sen. Richard J. Gordon said today.

Gordon made the announcement in the wake of reports that the number of confirmed cases of people infected with the A(H1N1) flu virus has jumped to 46.

"We must take all necessary efforts to avert a possible outbreak of the A(H1N1) flu virus in our own communities. While it is no cause for panic, these increasing number of A(H1N1) cases pose a threat to the health of our people in our community," he said.

"As precautionary measure, the Red Cross in your respective communities offers the services of Red Cross 143 volunteers who are trained to take appropriate responses on the threat of a possible spread of AH1N1 virus," he added.

Red Cross 143 is a network of 44 volunteers and 1 team leader in every barangay who are trained in disaster preparedness and response, in health and welfare and voluntary blood donation advocacy, among others.

During times of emergencies, they are mobilized to provide essential information, take necessary responses, and submit regular report to the Operation Center at the PNRC-Headquarters in Manila, which is opened 24 hours everyday.

With a tested reporting system, Red Cross 143 volunteers may use their mobile phone in informing the PNRC Operation Center on possible infection of the flu-like virus as well as in promoting proper steps and methods of countering it.

All they have to do is to send short message system (or text message) to 143 and the duty staff of Red Cross Operation Center (OpCen) will be ready to assist them, Gordon added.

At present, the PNRC has more than 800,000 paid and volunteer staff in the 96 different chapters across the country.

Gordon also explained he is coordinating with Smart Telecommunications and Globe Telecoms to secure a free of charge or discounted text message sending for the Red Cross 143 volunteers as part of the Red Cross campaign against A(H1N1).

"Our 143 volunteers are highly trained to look after people in their respective communities. I have mobilized them to help not only in providing essential information about A(H1N1) flu virus but also in promoting proper handwashing and hygiene," he said.

"Proper hand washing is far effective than any other method. This is safe, easy and cost effective," he added.

Gordon also said that knowing the right information, attitude and approach against A(H1N1) virus is still the best way to shield our communities and schools against the risk of a possible spread of the flu virus.

"It is important that we know what to do, how to do it right, and when and where to do it. Our 143 community volunteers are there to help and guide our communities," he said.

To know more about the A(H1N1) flu virus and how to prevent it from spreading in your community, you may call PNRC Community Health and Nursing Services at 527-6353, 527-7433 or 527-000, local 124 or 125.