Davao City: Davao City continues to stand as a benchmark for public health achievement, maintaining its malaria-free status since its official declaration in 2021, the City Health Office (CHO) reported Monday over city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio that the city's previously endemic districts, including Paquibato and Marilog, have no cases of malaria since the declaration.

According to Philippines News Agency, this success is a direct result of consistent and collaborative efforts among the local government, dedicated health professionals, and the engaged community, particularly in the implementation of preventive measures such as prompt diagnosis, effective vector control, and comprehensive information education campaigns, said Melodina Babante, coordinator of the CHO's tropical disease prevention and control division.

Malaria, a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted to humans through the bites of certain mosquito species predominantly found in tropical regions, is both preventable and curable. Common symptoms of malaria include colds, chills, persistent fever, vomiting, headache, weakness, paleness, and stomach pain.

Babante stated that health officials remain vigilant in monitoring for imported malaria cases, particularly among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, and Papua New Guinea. Fortunately, the OFWs who were identified with malaria received timely treatment and were closely monitored to ensure their complete recovery before they resumed their overseas employment, she reported.

Babante called on all villages in Davao City to establish their own dedicated mosquito-borne disease task forces to further support CHO efforts in preventing and effectively addressing mosquito-borne illnesses.