THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said it sees no problem with the use of creative ways to combat dengue-carrying mosquitoes as long as these have scientific basis.
In a radio interview, DOH assistant secretary Albert Domingo said that under the Local Government Code, local government units have the autonomy in making their anti-dengue campaigns.
“We are happy that these creative campaigns help raise public awareness. But it is equally important that we go for those that are scientifically tested,” he said.
In Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City, the LGU is offering one peso as bounty for every five mosquitoes or larvae they bring in.
On the other hand, Barangay Matandang Balara in Quezon City is considering the release of frogs in waterways to counter dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Domingo said this is where their call for proper coordination between the DOH and LGUs will come into play.
“We have these free information from the DOH, while provinces, cities, and municipalities have their own local health officers,” he said.
One scientifically tested way to combat dengue, he said, is the search and destruction of mosquito-breeding sites.
“If these campaigns can really destroy the mosquito-breeding sites, then that is good. Go for these cleanup drives,” he said.
On Monday, the DOH launched its “Alas Kwatro Kontra Mosquito” campaign in Quezon City.
Under the campaign, communities are encouraged to make it a habit to clean all potential mosquito-breeding sites every four o’clock in the afternoon to prevent the further spread of dengue.
“Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes. If there are no mosquitoes, there is no dengue,” said Domingo.
Earlier, the DOH reported 43,732 dengue cases have been recorded from January 1 to February 15. The number is 56 percent higher than the 27,995 cases recorded in the same period last year.
