Franco Nube 
There are over 882 million people in 44 countries globally that are still under threat by lymphatic filariasis, and there were 51 million people infected by this disease in 2018, a staggering figure that we cannot ignore.
With the Philippines entering its rainy season, especially here in Catbalogan, mosquitoes have now become a nuisance to everyone once again. Mosquitoes are prevalent during rainy season because they lay their eggs in still waters, like water that is collected in damp places especially after a rain.
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as Elephantiasis, is a painful and disfiguring parasitic infection that impairs the lymphatic system, and it is caused by roundworms called nematodes. This parasitic infection is commonly occurring in tropical areas, wherein the climatic conditions allow for the prevalence of the disease-causing parasitic roundworms, and their mosquito vectors.
Disease prevention is always better than curing it, and lymphatic filariasis is no exception. Thus, it is imperative that we raise awareness about this neglected tropical disease in order to inform the public about its potential detrimental effects, and its means of transmission, so that disease prevention may be made easier.
Raising awareness about this disease cannot be done by a single individual, or a single group of people, it requires a community that cooperates together in order to propagate the message of disease prevention. That is why we call upon you, our fellow tradesmen, to partake in raising awareness about this parasitic infection, so that we may help in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of eradicating the disease permanently.
