Fighting Dengue Fever: One Peso at a Time
MANILA: In a bid to curb the spread of dengue fever, residents in a central Manila neighborhood have lined up to collect a bounty – one peso (US$0.05) for every five mosquitoes, dead or alive.
The Initiative
The awareness-raising project was initiated by Carlito Cernal, village captain in Addition Hills, who believes it could have a "huge impact" on curbing the tropical disease’s spread when combined with local clean-up efforts. However, Philippine health officials and experts were less convinced, and public health expert Anthony Leachon warned that the initiative might even exacerbate the problem by encouraging residents to cultivate mosquitoes for coins.
Residents’ Efforts
Despite the skepticism, enthusiasm was high among residents who carried pails, cups, and other containers filled with dengue-spreading mosquitoes to exchange for cash at the village hall. Iluminado Candasua, for instance, brought three live specimens in a sealed plastic cup, which were counted and transferred to the village’s "death chamber," a glass-enclosed UV light machine. "It’s very hard to capture mosquitoes," Candasua said, explaining how he strategically chose a darkly lit fire station to trap the insects.
The Disease
The World Health Organization ranked the Philippines as the country most affected by dengue in the Western Pacific region in 2023, with 167,355 cases and 575 deaths. The tropical disease, while rarely fatal, carries symptoms ranging from fever and headaches to swollen glands.
The Unusual Rise in Cases
The country has seen an "unusual rise" in cases this year, with 28,200 patients recorded as of February 1, a 40% increase from the same period last year. Five cities and municipalities have declared outbreaks. Dr. Albert Domingo, department of health spokesman, emphasized the importance of local communities consulting with health authorities before launching ad hoc efforts, adding that the problem was best addressed by "going back to the fundamentals."
Conclusion
While the initiative may not be a foolproof solution to the dengue problem, it has certainly generated enthusiasm and awareness among residents. As Rachel Estoque, a 45-year-old housewife, put it, "My child suffered from dengue before and I know how scary and difficult that is… that’s why I’m participating in this project." For her, the money is less important than the principle involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of the initiative?
The initiative aims to raise awareness about dengue fever and encourage residents to take action to curb its spread. - How does the program work?
Residents can bring in mosquitoes, dead or alive, and exchange them for cash at the village hall. - Is the program effective?
Philippine health officials and experts are skeptical about the program’s effectiveness, and some worry it might even exacerbate the problem by encouraging residents to cultivate mosquitoes for coins. - What is the current situation with dengue cases in the Philippines?
The country has seen an "unusual rise" in cases this year, with 28,200 patients recorded as of February 1, a 40% increase from the same period last year. Five cities and municipalities have declared outbreaks.