THE province had no cases of malaria for the past eight years due to the full implementation of the Pampanga Malaria Control and Elimination Program.
The program was initiated by Governor Lilia Pineda with the assistance of the Second District Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres, chair of the Provincial Board’s Committee on Health; Provincial Health Office (PHO) led by Dr. Marcelo Jaochico; and the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU).
In behalf of the governor, Provincial Administrator Andres Pangilinan, Jr. said he is optimistic that the province will be considered as “malaria free.”
Pangilinan also mentioned that the governor is grateful for the zero malaria status, as the Provincial Government is simultaneously exerting efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
Torres agreed, calling the province’s fight against malaria a success.
Since 2010, cases of malaria in the province had drastically decreased in the past eight years.
Torres added that the lady governor's advocacy on health has been a priority since the start of her incumbency.
Jolly Garcia, PESU Officer, said that to sustain the zero malaria status, activities like Slides examination, RDT testing, Bednets/LLIN distribution, and houses spraying have been regularly conducted.
Pilipinas Shell Foundation Deputy Manager Dr. Antonio Bautista, Senior Health Program Officer Edgardo Erce, Department of Health (DOH) Consultant Norma Joson and Executive Director-Act Malaria Cecil Hugo congratulated the provincial government for its actions in maintaining the malaria-free status and sustaining the fight against the disease.
Also present during the activity were Dr. Maria Imelda Ignacio, Dr. Amelito Canlas, Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital Head Administrator Dr. Eddie Ponio, Malaria Team, and City and Municipal Health Officers. – Leah Isidro De Fiesta/Pampanga PIO