DOH set to unveil mosquito dance

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has opted to “dance” to drive disease-carrying mosquitoes away.

Led by Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, the DOH is launching today its so-called “mosquito dance” in an effort to renew focus on mosquito-control to prevent the spread of dengue, malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

Tayag said the health department is celebrating World Health Day with the launching of the mosquito dance at the DOH main office in Manila. The mosquito dance is also the DOH’s response to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s call to control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue is now found in 100 countries, which means more than 2.5 billion people or more than 40 percent of the world’s population are at risk, WHO director general Margaret Chan warned.

The threat of malaria is also continuing and thus the need for continued vigilance to ensure that any malaria resurgence can be rapidly contained, the WHO said.

Chan said a global health agenda that gives higher priority to vector-control could save many lives and avert much suffering.

The WHO is pushing for “simple, cost-effective interventions” to prevent mosquito-borne diseases such as providing insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying.

“Vector-borne diseases affect the poorest populations, particularly where there is a lack of access to adequate housing, safe drinking water and sanitation. Malnourished people and those with weakened immunity are especially susceptible,” the WHO reported.

For the past weeks, there has been an increase in the number of mosquitoes in several communities in Metro Manila, including Valenzuela City, Pasig City and Tondo in Manila.

But the DOH said these mosquitoes were found to be the Culex and Armigeres varieties, which do not carry diseases and are more known as “nuisance” common house mosquitoes.

Previously, the DOH also launched a dance campaign to curb the rising number of fireworks-related injuries and to promote healthy lifestyle.