Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has made an urgent appeal to the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify its information dissemination efforts in light of a recent national survey, which showed that most Filipinos are unaware of the various health programs intended to benefit them.

The survey, conducted by data analytics firm Capstone-Intel Corp., found that while 83 percent of the 1,205 participants were aware of DOH's functions, only 50 percent were aware of the government's HIV/AIDS programs.

Awareness levels for other programs like Universal Health Care, National Tuberculosis Control, and mental health were even lower, ranging from 28 to 45 percent.

Go, who has been an advocate for better access to healthcare services, urged DOH to take these findings seriously.

"The lack of awareness is a reflection of lives that could be at risk. We need to step up our information campaigns, especially in far-flung areas," said Go.

"Lagi nating tandaan na ang katumbas ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat Pilipino! Tayong mga nasa gobyerno, ilapit natin ang serbisyo sa mga taong nangangailangan nito lalo na pagdating sa kanilang kalusugan," he stressed further.

Go emphasized the importance of utilizing various platforms, including social media, to reach a wider audience.

"We need to be where the people are. Gamitin natin ang teknolohiya at gawing abot-kamay sa lahat ang impormasyon tungkol sa ating health programs," he suggested.

Go also stressed the need for collaboration with local government units (LGUs) to ensure that information reaches even the most remote areas.

"Mahalaga ang papel ng mga LGU sa pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon. They are our partners in making sure that every Filipino is aware of the health services available to them," he said.

"Bukod sa impormasyon, dapat ilapit natin talaga ang serbisyo at tulong, kasama na dyan ang gamot, konsultasyon, primary care at early detection of diseases sa mga komunidad," he added.