Caloocan communities lead clean-up drives to combat dengue, leptospirosis
With the rainy season increasing the threat of floods in Caloocan, local communities are taking action to protect their health. Recognizing that standing water in flood-prone areas can increase the risk of diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis, residents came together to ensure their neighborhoods were clean and safe.
The two-day, community-led effort resulted in cleaner and safer public spaces across two barangays. On August 28, approximately 63 volunteers and residents in Barangay 178 took part, and their dedication inspired more than 50 others to join a similar activity in Barangay 186 the following day.
Photo: A woman volunteers sweeps trash from a street in Caloocan City as part of the clean-up drive.
The community’s initiative was supported by the SHIELD Project, a partnership between Pru Life UK and CARE Philippines. The project team provided cleaning materials such as dustpans, brooms, garbage sacks, and wipes to aid the volunteers’ work. To further promote public health, the team also distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on dengue prevention and provided mosquito repellent to residents.
CARE staff partnered with community volunteers to provide residents with information about health risks and prevention.
“These clean-up drives are successful because the community is directly involved. When people take ownership of their environment, the results are more lasting,” said Prince Alexis Tugano, CARE’s project health officer with the SHIELD Project. “We are also grateful for the strong partnership with the local government, whose support is essential in making these activities possible.”
About the SHIELD Project
SHIELD (Sustainable Health Interventions for Eradicating Leptospirosis and Dengue) is a project of Pru Life UK and CARE Philippines, funded by the Prudence Foundation through the Climate and Health Resilience Fund.
