Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 369)
The Department of Health (DOH) is designated as the lead agency for implementing the Filariasis Mass Treatment Month campaign annually every November starting in 2004.
The main strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis is through Mass Treatment using a combination of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole annually for five years.
The month of November has been declared as the Mass Treatment Month for filariasis every year.
The DILG is responsible for issuing and disseminating memorandum circulars to local chief executives, mobilizing field offices, and assisting in the supervision and monitoring of filariasis mass treatment activities to ensure high coverage in endemic communities.
The DepEd ensures high mass treatment coverage in all public and private schools by informing parents and guardians about the campaign, mobilizing medical teams to conduct treatment in schools, and issuing appropriate circulars.
The DSWD ensures that the targeted population under its supervision in endemic areas receives filariasis mass treatment drugs, issues circulars, and assists in advocacy and social mobilization in coordination with LGUs.
The DND, through the National Disaster Coordination Council (NDCC), issues memorandum circulars to regional and provincial offices to assist in advocacy, social mobilization, and conduct of filariasis mass treatment campaigns.
LGUs lead the local implementation of the campaign, encourage every family member aged 2 years and above to take the treatment drugs, provide supportive medicines, conduct advocacy and social mobilization activities, issue local ordinances or resolutions, and submit reports on coverage.
Yes, all non-government organizations, civic societies, professional groups, and concerned groups are encouraged to contribute to the campaign's success through information dissemination, social mobilization, volunteer recruitment, donations, and other means.