The Philippines are battling large outbreaks of the vaccine-preventable disease, measles and the vector-borne disease, dengue fever currently;however, health officials are reminding the public of another group of infectious diseases-the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Elephantiasis of leg due to filariasis/CDC
Elephantiasis of leg due to filariasis/CDC

In the Calabarzon Region, where various sanitary inspectors, environmental and occupational health coordinators from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon and regional staff gathered for a two-day “Integrated Orientation on NTD-WASH”, the Department of Health reminded them that the Philippines still had six NTDs that were still prevalent in the country today–filariasis, schistosomiasis, helminthiasis, leprosy, rabies and food and water borne diseases.

“If these health concerns are not properly and immediately addressed, it will continue to contribute to the high prevalence of NTDs in the country, that is why we will be increasing the coverage of eligible population for mass drug administration to 85 percent to be able to prevent and eliminate NTDs,” according to DOH Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo.

Preventive chemotherapy, intensified disease management, vector and intermediate host control, veterinary intervention at the human-animal interface and provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene were all discussed as five strategies for the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of NTDS.