Bicol: The Department of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Bicol has intensified its campaign to improve deworming coverage among children and adolescents. This effort follows the progress made in the region's mass deworming initiative.
According to Philippines News Agency, Darryl Balane, the DOH 5 (Bicol) Regional Integrated Control Program Coordinator, stated during a press conference that the region achieved a deworming coverage of 80.25 percent in January 2026. This marks an increase from the 71.94 percent coverage recorded in July 2025. The recent campaign reached approximately 1.79 million of the region's 2.23 million target beneficiaries aged 1 to 19 years, bringing them closer to the program's goal of at least 85 percent coverage.
DOH-5 is urging local government units to boost their investments in deworming activities. The department is also advocating for refresher training for newly appointed coordinators, strengthening school and community-based health education, and enhancing collaboration between schools and health offices. Balane emphasized the role of teachers and school personnel in conducting health education, as parental consent is required for deworming. For teenagers, barangay health workers and the Sangguniang Kabataan will assist in educating communities due to their strong grassroots presence.
Improving parents' understanding of deworming's importance and safety is a priority for the department to increase program acceptance. DOH-5 acknowledged best practices among provinces: Camarines Norte maintained high deworming coverage through effective planning and coordination, while Camarines Sur benefited from local government support in procuring medicines. Albay utilized its Provincial Information Office to strengthen public awareness, achieving broader dissemination of deworming information. The province also recorded the highest number of dewormed high-risk individuals during the July 2025 campaign.
Catanduanes demonstrated outstanding program performance by achieving full coverage in January 2025, while Sorsogon expanded its reach among high-risk populations in January 2026. Masbate was recognized for consistently reaching large numbers of high-risk beneficiaries.
