In an innovative approach to tackle the increase in dengue cases, the village chief of Barangay Addition Hills in Manila has announced a cash reward program targeting mosquitoes, igniting mixed reactions from the community.
Philippine Barangay Initiates Cash Rewards to Combat Dengue Surge
Philippine Barangay Initiates Cash Rewards to Combat Dengue Surge
Urban center in Manila introduces mosquito bounty amid rising dengue cases.
The Philippine urban area is grappling with a spike in dengue cases, prompting local authorities to take action through an unconventional method. Carlito Cernal, the village chief of Barangay Addition Hills, recently unveiled a mosquito bounty scheme, offering a reward of one peso (less than two US cents) for every five mosquitoes collected. This initiative, which aims to support existing anti-dengue efforts, follows the tragic deaths of two students in the community due to the disease.
The program allows residents to bring in both dead and live mosquitoes as well as their larvae. The collected live mosquitoes will then be exterminated using ultraviolet light. Since the bounty was introduced, 21 individuals have claimed the reward, contributing a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae to the effort.
Despite the intention behind the program, it has faced criticism on social media. Comments have included sarcastic remarks about the potential for "mosquito farming" and concerns about whether a lone-winged mosquito would be accepted for cash. Reacting to the criticism, Mr. Cernal acknowledged the skepticism but emphasized the need for immediate action in a densely populated area, which has reported 44 dengue cases during the current outbreak.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus endemic in tropical climates, can lead to serious complications, including internal bleeding and death. The recent increase in cases has been attributed to seasonal rains, with authorities noting a significant rise in reported infections nationwide. The Department of Health has urged the public to take preventive measures, such as maintaining cleanliness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and using protective clothing and repellents.
As the program unfolds, the local health department continues to monitor the situation, while community members hope this creative solution will help mitigate the dengue outbreak.
The program allows residents to bring in both dead and live mosquitoes as well as their larvae. The collected live mosquitoes will then be exterminated using ultraviolet light. Since the bounty was introduced, 21 individuals have claimed the reward, contributing a total of 700 mosquitoes and larvae to the effort.
Despite the intention behind the program, it has faced criticism on social media. Comments have included sarcastic remarks about the potential for "mosquito farming" and concerns about whether a lone-winged mosquito would be accepted for cash. Reacting to the criticism, Mr. Cernal acknowledged the skepticism but emphasized the need for immediate action in a densely populated area, which has reported 44 dengue cases during the current outbreak.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus endemic in tropical climates, can lead to serious complications, including internal bleeding and death. The recent increase in cases has been attributed to seasonal rains, with authorities noting a significant rise in reported infections nationwide. The Department of Health has urged the public to take preventive measures, such as maintaining cleanliness, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and using protective clothing and repellents.
As the program unfolds, the local health department continues to monitor the situation, while community members hope this creative solution will help mitigate the dengue outbreak.
