DOH to launch nationwide dengue prevention drive on February 24

The Department of Health (DOH) is set to roll out the “Alas Kwatro, Kontra Mosquito!” campaign on February 24, 2025, as part of its intensified dengue prevention and control efforts across all government offices nationwide.

In a Facebook announcement, the DOH confirmed that the official kick-off event, titled the ‘Nationwide Search and Destroy Mosquito Breeding Sites Campaign,’ will happen at 4 p.m. on Monday. The initiative aims to mobilize communities in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds and preventing the spread of dengue.

The department has urged public participation, particularly in the following key areas:

• Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City
• Barangay Bolong Oeste, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo
• Municipality of San Dionisio, Iloilo
• Barangay 1, San Jose, Antique
• Various municipalities in Guimaras
• Barangay Tondog, Aklan
• Municipality of Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur
• Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental
• El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental
• Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
• Municipality of Norala, South Cotabato
• Municipality of Banga, South Cotabato
• Municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato
• Municipality of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat
• Municipality of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat
• General Santos City

DOH said that more locations will be added to expand the reach of the dengue prevention program.

In a memorandum, the agency also extended invitations to all health development centers and the Minister of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to take part in the initiative.

“This nationwide effort is crucial in our fight against dengue. By identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, we can significantly reduce the spread of the disease. With dengue cases rising across the country, it is imperative that we work together to implement immediate, effective, and sustainable interventions,” the DOH said.

The urgency of the program comes as Quezon City recently declared a dengue outbreak following a sharp increase in cases and at least 10 reported deaths this year.

Additionally, the DOH has warned that eight more areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon may also declare dengue outbreaks soon due to the rising number of cases.

According to the latest data, the country recorded 28,234 dengue cases from January 1 to February 1, marking a staggering 40% increase compared to the same period last year.

With the “Alas Kwatro, Kontra Mosquito!” campaign, the DOH hopes to rally communities and government offices in a collective effort to curb the spread of dengue and protect public health.—LDF, GMA Integrated News