“Biyaheng Kulambo” launching set

By Victoria Asuncion S. Mendoza

Monday 4th of June 2012

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, June 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Health and Global Fund in cooperation with the provincial government of Palawan will launch on June 22 the “Biyaheng Kulambo” or Travelling Net Campaign in a bid to eliminate malaria in the province.

In the Biyaheng Kulambo launch, Palawan governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra is expected to sign the manifesto of support, pledging his support to eliminate malaria towards attaining its goal of being malaria-free by 2020.

The Travelling Net Campaign was launched in April during the World Malaria Day where a symbolic Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) was handed over from one province to another province until it reaches 80 provinces with the manifesto of support signed by all governors. The passing of the traveling LLIN symbolizes the acceptance of and commitment to the shared responsibility of securing a malaria-free Philippines.

Aileen Balderian, Program Manager of Kilusan Ligtas Malarya (KLM) said that the campaign underscores the importance of prevention such as the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets or LLIN.

She said that the distribution of LLIN as well as interventions like early detection and treatment, vector control and capacitating LGUs are part of the year-long activities of the KLM.

The fight against malaria is spearheaded by the provincial government through the KLM with the strong collaboration with the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. Since KLM’s launch in 1999, the incidence of malaria has continuously declined in the province.

Malaria ranks fifth in the leading causes of morbidity in Palawan. Out of the 23 municipalities, only Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay, Cagayancillo, and Kalayaan are not malaria endemic areas. (LBR/VSM-PIA 4B, Palawan)