This article describes the partnership between the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and the province of Laguna in the context of implementation of the field practice course. This partnership paved the way for the development and implementation of projects in seven field practice sites. Projects concentrated mainly on improving quality of data and health information system, development of educational materials, and addressing health problems such as tuberculosis, hypertension and rabies. After the implementation of the various activities, there is a need for both parties (the College of Public Health and the Provincial Health Office of Laguna) to monitor and evaluate if projects have been sustained. Moreover, successful projects must also be fully documented which can serve as models for other areas in the province of Laguna.

Human ; Rabies ; Health Information Systems ; Public Health ; Tuberculosis ; Quality Improvement ; Universities ; Teaching Materials ; Hypertension

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the species composition of mosquitoes collected from ovitraps in selected public schools of Metro Manila, Philippines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ovitraps were installed from November 2013 to February 2014, in purposively selected public elementary and high schools of Metro Manila. Ovitraps were installed inside classrooms and collected weekly and examined for mosquito eggs and larvae. Speciation was done once a month from November 2013 to February 2014. All positive paddles were immersed in water for larval emergence, reared to fourth instars and were identified using taxonomic keys.

RESULTS: A total of 1,482 ovitraps were installed in the selected public schools, and 18,325 larvae were collected from elementary schools, while 16,670 larvae were collected from high schools. The mean ovitrap index or infestation rate was 49.69% during the period of data collection. Mosquito larvae were identified as Aedes aegypti (88.94%) and Aedes albopictus (11.06%). Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus coexisted in some of the examined paddles. No significant differences were observed between the type of school and the presence of Aedes larvae. Significant differences were observed between total number of mosquito larvae and months of collection.

CONCLUSION: The presence of Aedes mosquitoes in schools evidently shows that continuous vector surveillance in schools is necessary as this information will help in the formulation of proactive vector control activities, thereby preventing the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquito ; Aedes ; Vector ; School ; Surveillance

Background: There are limited reports on foodborne trematodiases (FBT) and taeniasis prevalence and distribution in the Philippines. Objective: This study aimed to describe their prevalence and distribution and determine the species causing these infections in selected areas in southern Philippines. Methodology: The study was implemented in selected barangays in Caraga and Davao regions in southern Philippines. School-age children and adults with gastrointestinal manifestations within the last two weeks were examined using the modified Kato thick technique, while adults with cough for more than two weeks underwent sputum examination using NaOH concentration technique. The adult helminths from patients positive for FBT and/or taeniasis were processed, mounted, and stained for species identification. Results: Variable FBT and taeniasis prevalence across geographic areas and population groups was seen with a highly focal distribution. Heterophyidiasis was the most common FBT with a 7.5% (168 out of 2,238) prevalence. Species not known to be endemic in the area were identified including Haplorchis taichui, Opisthorchis felineus, and Echinostoma ilocanum. Variable prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis was also seen. Conclusion The study revealed the hidden burden of FBT and taeniasis and identified species not known to be endemic in selected areas in southern Philippines. Addressing this hidden burden will require enhancing service delivery. This may be done by utilizing more accurate diagnosis, updating treatment guidelines, implementing evidence-based control interventions, and improving surveillance. Integrating control programs, for instance, integrating FBT and taeniasis control with STH and schistosomiasis control, and integrating paragonimiasis control with the national TB program, may also help in optimizing resources.
Taeniasis ; Schistosomiasis ; Philippines