Malaria cases down in Compostela Valley

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Health authorities in Compostela Valley are hailing the collaboration between the public and private sectors for drastically bringing down the incidence of malaria, a debilitating mosquioto-borne disease, in the province.

“This year, we only have four malaria cases,” said Cynthia Micarandayo, Malaria Program Coordinator of the Provincial Health Office.

Micarandayo said four years ago, 174 malaria cases were recorded in the entire province, which they  considered  alarming at the time.

Through the partnership with private entities such as the Pilipinas Shell Foundation and funding organizations such as the World Health Organization, she said, a massive anti- malaria program was launched in the province starting in 2008.

By the time 2008 ended, Micarandayo said the number of malaria cases was halved. It steadily decreased to 30 in 2009 and only 11 cases in 2010, she said.

“The significant reduction of malaria cases in Comval can also be attributed to early detection and prompt treatment by health personnel,” she said.

Micarandayo said a mosquito vector control was also undertaken through the distribution of long-lasting insecticide nets (LLIN), indoor residual spraying and stream clearing in the communities.

This year alone, she said, 29,920 LLIN mosquito nets were distributed and 1,183 houses in Laak, where the most number of malaria cases had been recorded in the past, were sprayed with chemicals.

Micarandayo said some areas proved to be difficult to reach but health workers did not mind extra effort  and continued to deliver services to needy residents.

Governor Arturo Uy said he was hoping that the massive anti-malaria campaign would result in the declaration of the province as malaria-free area.