Malaria-free RP seen by 2020

The Philippines is expected to be rid of malaria by 2020 due to intensified efforts by a network of organizations dedicated to fighting the mosquito-borne disease.

The Philippine Malaria Network (Philman) is composed of agencies like the Department of Health, Pilipinas Shell Foundation and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The network is adopting a four-point strategy to fight malaria in five target provinces.

These includes promotion of early detection, diagnosis and treatment; promotion of available technologies; strengthening of local capabilities to implement community-based malaria control measures and optimize corporate and multi-sectoral resources to help improve access to health services.

"There is no reason why people should continue to die of preventable and meaningless deaths due to malaria," said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

It is estimated that around 500,000 Filipinos get sick of malaria every year. Of the 76 provinces in the country, 66 are endemic for the disease while 14 are considered malaria-free.

From 1990 to 2001, the number of malaria cases in the Philippines went down from 89,047 to 34,787, respectively. But cases increased in 2002 and 2003.

Malaria is spread through mosquito bites. Its symptoms include nightly fever, uncontrollable shaking, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pains, slight jaundice and diarrhea.

"With the creation of Philman, the missing link to eradicate malaria has already been identified. This will give us the appropriate mix of public-private actions which can maximize our health gains," Duque said.