Malaria stakeholders in Pangasinan participated in the Malaria Stakeholders Forum conducted by the DOH-Ilocos Region to strengthen anti-malaria efforts and sustain malaria-free status in the province held on November 8, 2024 in Lingayen, Pangasinan
MALARIA stakeholders in the province of Pangasinan composed of malaria program coordinators, health care workers, and officers from the public employment service, tourism and academe committed to strengthen their Malaria-free province status by signing of a pledge of commitment to be part of the malaria-free Philippines by 2030 during the Malaria Stakeholders Forum conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region on November 8, 2024 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco urged stakeholders to continue raising awareness in the prevention and control of malaria disease in the provicne.
“By working together, you have achieved your goal of a malaria-free status and improved the quality of life for future generations to nurture, let us continue to spread awareness about malaria prevention and control, how to seek early diagnosis and treatment and adopting preventive interventions to stop its spread,” she stated.
Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito and one of the leading killers of children under five.
Since 2017, Pangasinan has recorded zero case of malaria in the province. A certification for a Malaria-free Province has been awarded in 2018.
Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Section Head Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis assured that health authorities, including rural health units, city health offices, and local hospitals continue their efforts to enhance disease surveillance and response measures to safeguard the health and well-being of the community against malaria.
“Kasama napo dito ang pagbabantay sa ating mga OFWs, tourists at foreign students na kailangang magpakita ng kanilang mga health cards sa pagpasok sa bansa upang maiguro na sila ay malusog at hindi sila carrier ng imported malaria disease o anumang klaseng sakit na maaring makahawa.”
Bobis also emphasized that they will continue to promote health literacy through the “Health Region 1 Caravan” not only to students but across all age groups to help them understand risks to their health and for them to recognize symptoms of various diseases. “Para maipaalam po sa kanila ang mga iba’t-ibang preventative measures para mapangalagaan ang kanilang kalusugan,” he added.
The Malaria Stakeholders Forum was conducted celebration of Malaria and Filariasis Awareness Month.
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