DOH: Palawan only PH province with local transmission of malaria | ABS-CBN
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DOH: Palawan only PH province with local transmission of malaria
DOH: Palawan only PH province with local transmission of malaria
Health experts are monitoring areas in Palawan, which is the only province in the country with local transmission of malaria.
Health experts are monitoring areas in Palawan, which is the only province in the country with local transmission of malaria.
Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano from the Department of Health's (DOH) Disease Prevention and Control Bureau said "around 680,000 people" are at risk from malaria in the southern part of Palawan.
Dr. Kim Patrick Tejano from the Department of Health's (DOH) Disease Prevention and Control Bureau said "around 680,000 people" are at risk from malaria in the southern part of Palawan.
"Sa Palawan po, nagbibigay ang DOH, ang ating development partners at maging probinsya ng Palawan ng mga long-lasting insecticidal nets. Ito iyong mga kulambo na na-treat or meron insecticides para hindi makapasok or iiwasan ng lamok iyong mga tao na nasa loob nito," he said in a DOH media forum.
"Sa Palawan po, nagbibigay ang DOH, ang ating development partners at maging probinsya ng Palawan ng mga long-lasting insecticidal nets. Ito iyong mga kulambo na na-treat or meron insecticides para hindi makapasok or iiwasan ng lamok iyong mga tao na nasa loob nito," he said in a DOH media forum.
(In Palawan, DOH, development partners, and the provincial government are distributing long-lasting insecticidal nets. These are mosquito nets that were treated or with insecticides to prevent mosquitoes from entering.)
(In Palawan, DOH, development partners, and the provincial government are distributing long-lasting insecticidal nets. These are mosquito nets that were treated or with insecticides to prevent mosquitoes from entering.)
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Tejano said this is the case because malaria vectors Anopheles mosquitos are night-biters.
Tejano said this is the case because malaria vectors Anopheles mosquitos are night-biters.
He added that the province of Palawan is also finalizing the Palawan Malaria Accelerated, Elimination, and Sustainability Plan, mass testing for areas with history of malaria, and has established "half-way houses" between mountains and health facilities for easier access of services for residents.
He added that the province of Palawan is also finalizing the Palawan Malaria Accelerated, Elimination, and Sustainability Plan, mass testing for areas with history of malaria, and has established "half-way houses" between mountains and health facilities for easier access of services for residents.
For other areas in the country, 72 are considered malaria-free provinces, while nine provinces have zero indigenous cases or local transmission.
For other areas in the country, 72 are considered malaria-free provinces, while nine provinces have zero indigenous cases or local transmission.
"Isa po ito sa mga magagandang nangyari sa ating bansa. For the past decades, mataas ang ibinaba ng ating mga kaso gayundin ang mga deaths due to malaria from 2003 to last year," Tejano explained.
"Isa po ito sa mga magagandang nangyari sa ating bansa. For the past decades, mataas ang ibinaba ng ating mga kaso gayundin ang mga deaths due to malaria from 2003 to last year," Tejano explained.
(This is among the good things that happened in our country. For the past decades, cases have significantly declined along with deaths due to malaria from 2003 to last year.)
(This is among the good things that happened in our country. For the past decades, cases have significantly declined along with deaths due to malaria from 2003 to last year.)
"Although comparing 2022 at 2023, halos dumoble ang kaso natin ng malaria sa Pilipinas, gayundin iyong naitalang deaths sa atin na umabot sa 11 deaths. Walo po dyan galing sa natitirang probinsya na may active transmission, samantalang iyong tatlo galing sa ibang bansa, nakuha ang malaria sa ibang bansa," he added.
"Although comparing 2022 at 2023, halos dumoble ang kaso natin ng malaria sa Pilipinas, gayundin iyong naitalang deaths sa atin na umabot sa 11 deaths. Walo po dyan galing sa natitirang probinsya na may active transmission, samantalang iyong tatlo galing sa ibang bansa, nakuha ang malaria sa ibang bansa," he added.
(Although comparing 2022 at 2023, malaria cases have almost doubled in the Philippines, along with recorded deaths which reached 11. From this number, eight is from the remaining province with active transmission, while the other three came from other countries where they contracted malaria.
(Although comparing 2022 at 2023, malaria cases have almost doubled in the Philippines, along with recorded deaths which reached 11. From this number, eight is from the remaining province with active transmission, while the other three came from other countries where they contracted malaria.
Data shows there were 6,248 malaria cases in 2023, which is almost double that of 3,245 malaria cases recorded in 2022.
Data shows there were 6,248 malaria cases in 2023, which is almost double that of 3,245 malaria cases recorded in 2022.
Tejano sees increased mobility post-pandemic and climate change as factors for the rise in cases.
Tejano sees increased mobility post-pandemic and climate change as factors for the rise in cases.
"Iyon po mga naantalang construction, for example for road works, water works sa Palawan ay nagbukas din ng opportunity for individuals coming from other parts of Palawan para magtrabaho at magkaroon ng hanapbuhay, kumita para sa kanilang daily living. Because of that kind of situation, mas marami ang nae-expose sa malaria," he said.
"Iyon po mga naantalang construction, for example for road works, water works sa Palawan ay nagbukas din ng opportunity for individuals coming from other parts of Palawan para magtrabaho at magkaroon ng hanapbuhay, kumita para sa kanilang daily living. Because of that kind of situation, mas marami ang nae-expose sa malaria," he said.
(The delayed construction, for example for road works, water works in Palawan opened opportunity for individuals coming from other parts of Palawan to work and have a livelihood, earn for their daily living. Because of that kind of situation, many were exposed to malaria.)
(The delayed construction, for example for road works, water works in Palawan opened opportunity for individuals coming from other parts of Palawan to work and have a livelihood, earn for their daily living. Because of that kind of situation, many were exposed to malaria.)
"Isa rin po sa tinitingnan natin ay iyong climate change. Kung makikita natin iyong pattern ng pag-ulan noong nakaraang taon sa Palawan, as early as January, February, na usually naman hindi ganoon kaulan, nakaka-experience sila ng bagyo, iyong mga tag-ulan. Kumbaga nagkakaroon pa ng breeding sites si Anopheles mosquito. Unlike po kasi iyong lamok na nagdadala ng dengue na stagnant, si Anopheles [mosquito] po, sa clean, moving water pwede siyang mabuhay, nagbi-breed po siya doon," he added.
"Isa rin po sa tinitingnan natin ay iyong climate change. Kung makikita natin iyong pattern ng pag-ulan noong nakaraang taon sa Palawan, as early as January, February, na usually naman hindi ganoon kaulan, nakaka-experience sila ng bagyo, iyong mga tag-ulan. Kumbaga nagkakaroon pa ng breeding sites si Anopheles mosquito. Unlike po kasi iyong lamok na nagdadala ng dengue na stagnant, si Anopheles [mosquito] po, sa clean, moving water pwede siyang mabuhay, nagbi-breed po siya doon," he added.
(Another factor that we are seeing is climate change. If we observe the pattern of rainfall in Palawan last year, as early as January, February, which was usually does not rain much, they have been experiencing typhoons, rainy season. Anopheles mosquitoes were able to have breeding sites. Unlike mosquitoes that bring dengue, which breed in stagnant water, Anopheles [mosquito] breeds and stays alive in clean, moving water.)
(Another factor that we are seeing is climate change. If we observe the pattern of rainfall in Palawan last year, as early as January, February, which was usually does not rain much, they have been experiencing typhoons, rainy season. Anopheles mosquitoes were able to have breeding sites. Unlike mosquitoes that bring dengue, which breed in stagnant water, Anopheles [mosquito] breeds and stays alive in clean, moving water.)
Tejano said the Philippines is still keen on achieving malaria elimination by 2030, and "key" to this is the "1-3-5 approach": health units should be notified within 1 day or 24 hours that there is a possible malaria case in their respective areas, case investigation should be conducted within three days, and focus investigation should be done in the community within five days.
Tejano said the Philippines is still keen on achieving malaria elimination by 2030, and "key" to this is the "1-3-5 approach": health units should be notified within 1 day or 24 hours that there is a possible malaria case in their respective areas, case investigation should be conducted within three days, and focus investigation should be done in the community within five days.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, there were 249 million malaria cases worldwide – which is 5 million higher compared to 2021 – with 608,000 deaths.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, there were 249 million malaria cases worldwide – which is 5 million higher compared to 2021 – with 608,000 deaths.
Main countries contributing to the cases are Pakistan (with over 2.1 million cases), Ethiopia (with over 1.3 million cases), Nigeria (with over 1.3 million cases), Uganda (with over 597,000), and Papua New Guinea (with over 423,000).
Main countries contributing to the cases are Pakistan (with over 2.1 million cases), Ethiopia (with over 1.3 million cases), Nigeria (with over 1.3 million cases), Uganda (with over 597,000), and Papua New Guinea (with over 423,000).
CATCHING MALARIA
Experts explain that malaria starts from a bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When it bites a person, the parasite is transferred; then it goes to the liver where it multiplies and transfers to the red blood cells.
Experts explain that malaria starts from a bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. When it bites a person, the parasite is transferred; then it goes to the liver where it multiplies and transfers to the red blood cells.
It will then destroy one's blood and new parasite cells called gametocytes form.
It will then destroy one's blood and new parasite cells called gametocytes form.
When another mosquito ingests gametocytes as it bites another person, this becomes a new avenue for malaria to spread to another person.
When another mosquito ingests gametocytes as it bites another person, this becomes a new avenue for malaria to spread to another person.
Jhobert Bernal, Senior Science Research Specialist and Technical Supervisor of the National Reference Laboratory for Malaria and Other Parasites, said early symptoms of include headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Jhobert Bernal, Senior Science Research Specialist and Technical Supervisor of the National Reference Laboratory for Malaria and Other Parasites, said early symptoms of include headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, and comatose are severe symptoms, as malaria can also lead to death.
Kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, and comatose are severe symptoms, as malaria can also lead to death.
Bernal said diagnostic tests for malaria include malaria microscopy, rapid diagnostic test, and nucleic acid amplification test.
Bernal said diagnostic tests for malaria include malaria microscopy, rapid diagnostic test, and nucleic acid amplification test.
He stressed that there is a need to identify malaria species for timely and accurate diagnosis, and treatment.
He stressed that there is a need to identify malaria species for timely and accurate diagnosis, and treatment.
Bernal admitted that there are still challenges in battling malaria.
Bernal admitted that there are still challenges in battling malaria.
"Ang malaria kalimitan niyan ang naapektuhan dyan is iyong ating mga indigenous people or iyong mga IPs natin. Ito po ay isang hadlang para doon sa tuluyan na pag-eliminate ng ating mga kaso kasi nasa bundok sila. Minsan sila ay mobile, so palipat-lipat po iyong ating IPs," he shared.
"Ang malaria kalimitan niyan ang naapektuhan dyan is iyong ating mga indigenous people or iyong mga IPs natin. Ito po ay isang hadlang para doon sa tuluyan na pag-eliminate ng ating mga kaso kasi nasa bundok sila. Minsan sila ay mobile, so palipat-lipat po iyong ating IPs," he shared.
(Our indigenous people or IPs are usually the ones affected by malaria. This is a challenge in eliminating cases as they are in the mountains. Sometimes they are mobile because they transfer from one place to another.)
(Our indigenous people or IPs are usually the ones affected by malaria. This is a challenge in eliminating cases as they are in the mountains. Sometimes they are mobile because they transfer from one place to another.)
"Siguro ang isa sa mga importanteng pamamaraan na nakikita natin dito is iyong patuloy na engagement ng ating mga local health official doon sa ating communities na merong active transmission ng malaria, na mabantayan maigi. Gayundin po... iyong surveillance doon sa areas para makita natin kung sinu-sino iyong may malaria upang sa ganoon hindi na kumalat ang sakit sa ibang mga komunidad," he added.
"Siguro ang isa sa mga importanteng pamamaraan na nakikita natin dito is iyong patuloy na engagement ng ating mga local health official doon sa ating communities na merong active transmission ng malaria, na mabantayan maigi. Gayundin po... iyong surveillance doon sa areas para makita natin kung sinu-sino iyong may malaria upang sa ganoon hindi na kumalat ang sakit sa ibang mga komunidad," he added.
(Maybe an important measure is the continuous engagement of local health officials in communities where there are active transmission of malaria – that they carefully monitor. Also, surveillance in areas for us to identify who has malaria to prevent the spread of the disease in other communities.)
(Maybe an important measure is the continuous engagement of local health officials in communities where there are active transmission of malaria – that they carefully monitor. Also, surveillance in areas for us to identify who has malaria to prevent the spread of the disease in other communities.)
He also highlighted the importance of health education to combat misconceptions about malaria, as he dispelled claims that the illness can be incurred from drinking coconut juice.
He also highlighted the importance of health education to combat misconceptions about malaria, as he dispelled claims that the illness can be incurred from drinking coconut juice.
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