The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Camarines Norte chapter reported an increasing number of malaria cases in Barangay Osmeña and Barangay Luklukan Sur in the Municipality of Jose Panganiban, affecting primarily the relocation site of indigenous people.

As of now, blood sampling resulted in 21 samples positive of malaria.

In response, the PRC Camarines Norte Chapter is set to initiate clean-up drive and also recommended the distribution of treated mosquito nets and hygiene kits.

Likewise, the local government unit will conduct massive screening test for malaria and information campaign as well as preventive measures while the provincial health office will be providing technical assistance in the conduct of training for barangay health workers and collection of blood samples.

PRC Chairman Senator Richard Gordon directed PRC Camarines Norte Chapter to continuously monitor number of cases and to mobilize community health volunteers for health education.

“I enjoin staff and volunteers of Red Cross Camarines Norte Chapter to continuously monitor the cases of malaria in barangays considered as hot spots. I also advised the National Headquarters to develop IEC materials for malaria prevention,” said Gordon.

The National Blood Center is also informed about the increasing cases of malaria in Camarines Norte as it may concern current status of blood supply.

According to World Health Organization, there are 300-500 million accounted clinical cases of malaria per year and 1.5 - 2.7 million deaths from malaria each year.

Although the Philippines do not contribute significantly to the global mortality from malaria, out of 77 provinces, 74 are considered endemic, with around 11 million Filipinos at risk of malaria.