Manila: A village in the Philippines is offering cash rewards to residents for capturing mosquitoes to combat a dengue outbreak.
Residents of Addition Hills, Manila, received one Philippine peso for every five mosquitoes they caught. The initiative launched on Wednesday with long queues forming.
Organizers used an ultraviolet mosquito zapper to kill live mosquitoes handed in by participants.
One resident earned nine pesos (15 US cents) for turning in 45 mosquito larvae.
Village chair Carlito Cernal said the program was introduced in response to increasing dengue cases in the area.
Rising infections
Dengue cases in the Philippines have surged, with over 28,000 recorded in January, a 40% increase from last year.
The health department has warned of rising cases in nine regions and called the situation concerning.
Quezon City declared a dengue outbreak after reporting 10 deaths since the start of 2024.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and encourage preventive measures to curb further infections.
Authorities stress the importance of community participation in dengue prevention efforts.
Potential concerns
Some health officials fear the program may encourage mosquito breeding for financial gain.
Health department spokesperson Albert Domingo cautioned that rewards could have unintended consequences.
He suggested alternatives like cleanliness contests to encourage mosquito control efforts in communities.
Social media users also raised concerns about the possibility of people farming mosquitoes for money.
“We must ensure solutions are effective and sustainable,” one commenter stated on social media.
Defending the program
Cernal responded to criticism, assuring that the initiative was meant to help curb dengue cases.
He emphasized in a Facebook post that he had “no ill intentions” behind the project.
Officials will continue evaluating the program’s impact and make necessary adjustments.
Authorities stress that public awareness and proper sanitation are crucial in fighting dengue outbreaks.
The government urges residents to eliminate stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed, to prevent further spread.
