Davao City continues to shine as a model of public health excellence, maintaining its malaria-free status since 2021, according to the City Health Office (CHO). Melodina Babante, coordinator of the CHO’s Tropical Disease Prevention and Control Division, reaffirmed the city’s achievement during an interview with the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio.
Babante said that since Davao was officially declared malaria-free, no local transmissions have been recorded in previously endemic districts, including Paquibato and Marilog. She credited the milestone to the strong collaboration between the local government, healthcare workers, and community members, who worked hand in hand on preventive measures such as prompt diagnosis, vector control, and sustained information and education campaigns.
“Maintaining this status is the fruit of our collective effort,” Babante said, noting that while local transmission has been eliminated, the city remains on high alert for imported cases, especially among returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from malaria-endemic countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Papua New Guinea.
Data from the CHO revealed that one imported malaria case was recorded in 2021, two in 2022, another two in 2023, and three in 2024. As of this month, one case has already been reported involving an OFW from Papua New Guinea.
“Fortunately, those OFWs who tested positive for malaria were treated and monitored to ensure their recovery before they returned to work,” Babante assured.
She also emphasized that although malaria is a serious and potentially deadly disease, effective treatment is available—unlike dengue, which lacks a specific cure. Malaria symptoms typically include colds, chills, persistent fever, vomiting, headache, weakness, paleness, and stomach pain.
To prevent any resurgence, Babante said the CHO continues to actively visit and monitor barangays, particularly in Paquibato and Marilog, conducting blood smears and mass blood surveys. The office also coordinates with the Department of Health (DOH) for vector mapping activities to track mosquito breeding sites.
Babante encouraged barangays to establish their own mosquito-borne disease task forces to support the city’s efforts in preventing not just malaria, but all mosquito-related illnesses.