Purgastories: a critical policy analysis on the effectiveness of the Integrated Helminth Control Program in Combating Parasites and poverty in Macalelon, Quezon

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) infections remain a major public health problem in the Philippines. These parasitic worms can be eradicated from an individual's body through the deworming procedure. In 2006, the DOH has launched the Integrated Helminth Control Program (IHCP) which aims to decrease worm infestation in the different regions in the Philippines. This study assessed the effectiveness of the operationalization of all three components of the IHCP in Macalelon, Quezon. From 2009-2011, parasitism remained in the list of top morbidities in the community. However, there were no follow-up examinations and evaluations to assess the program. By observation, the researcher was able to observe the environment of the community to figure out what factors enable the disease proliferation. Through the use of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey, the researcher was able to identify reasons as to why STH infections persists, namely: 1) the Dengvaxia scare has severely influenced the perception on deworming, 2) there are still misconceptions about deworming, and 3) the backward state of agriculture deprives the community from improving their own state of health This study reveals that in all three components, only the preventive chemotherapy is being followed. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Behavioral Approach heavily depend on the level of the community's KAP. Moreover, even if there are no recorded cases of people visiting the Rural Health Unit particularly because of STH infections, the researcher observed that the living conditions in Macalelon makes anyone vulnerable to the disease. Further, the researcher concludes that even if Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is effective in eradicating parasitic worms, the sustainability of the disinfection will only depend on the acceptability of the stakeholders and what health practices they apply in the community