Bataan, officially declared as Malaria-free province

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – After long days of preparation, evaluation, and presentation, the province of Bataan was officially declared as Malaria-free during the DOH Malaria TWG Meeting last October 27, 2017 at Hotel Rembrandt in Quezon City.

Having the final defense as the last destination for the declaration, PHO Head Dra. Rosanna Buccahan shared a list of things they have presented during the defense: current situation of Bataan and its prevalence to malaria, sustainability of programs about malaria, inventory of personnel, doctors trained for the programs, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), vector surveillance, strengths of Bataan regarding malaria programs, and many more.

After careful evaluation of the presentation, judges came up to a unanimous decision to declare Bataan as Malaria-free.

Moving forward, the next step to take for the Provincial Health Office and other health units in Bataan is the sustainability of the programs. Dra. Buccahan said that it shouldn’t be stopped, instead it should be sustained and improve even more.

Now that Bataan is declared Malaria-free, we are a step closer to attain a top-level Human Development Index. “Ang gusto natin humaba ang buhay, eh di magbawas tayo ng isang sakit,” Dra. Buccahan said.