RITM, DENR boost fight vs. schistosomiasis through training in Baguio

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine’s (RITM) Schistosomiasis National Reference Laboratory (SjNRL) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) joined forces to train DENR field personnel on schistosomiasis prevention and response.

The training, held recently at the Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC) in Baguio City, gathered 23 participants onsite, while others from ERDB centers nationwide joined online.

Many DENR staff previously engaged in water-related activities such as biodiversity assessments and soil sampling with limited knowledge of schistosomiasis, leading to anxiety over potential exposure. The information, education, and communication (IEC) drive was designed to bridge this gap by raising awareness of risks in wetlands and peatlands where the disease is endemic.

RITM experts Dr. Mario Antonio L. Jiz II and Mitzi Anne J. Gagui provided lectures on the life cycle and transmission of Schistosoma japonicum, its public health impact, snail biology, and laboratory diagnosis. Participants also worked on group outputs that applied the concepts they learned.

Key discussions highlighted prevention, control, and treatment strategies, especially for those exposed to contaminated waters.

ERDB Director Lormelyn E. Claudio lauded the partnership, noting that the IEC drive not only builds personnel’s knowledge but also underscores the importance of collaboration in protecting both people and ecosystems.

The initiative was spearheaded by WWRRDEC Center Head Minda S. Odsey and Supervising Science Research Specialist Rej Winlove M. Bungabong.

Since 2020, RITM’s SjNRL has served as the national reference laboratory for the Department of Health’s Schistosomiasis Control Program, providing diagnostic testing, prevalence monitoring, and surveillance support to curb the spread of the disease.