Multi-agency parasite research gets green light

By Rowena T. Cruz The AHR-SEA Symposium at the University of the Philippines Los Baños brings together researchers and stakeholders to discu...

By Rowena T. Cruz

The AHR-SEA Symposium at the University of the Philippines Los Baños brings together researchers and stakeholders to discuss intestinal helminth infections, their interaction with the gut microbiome, and the urgent need to address anthelmintic resistance in the Philippines. (Photo by Christopher Labe, UPLB Media and Communication Office)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - A new health research initiative on intestinal parasites is moving forward, with the province joining a multi-agency study. The project is expected to support improved disease control and prevention efforts, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups.

Participation in the study will involve working with partner institutions through formal agreements to support research implementation. The collaboration is part of a regional effort to address persistent intestinal parasite infections and strengthen evidence-based disease control strategies.



As part of the initiative, a memorandum of agreement will be entered into with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the Department of Education – Schools Division of Quezon, and the Department of Health – Center for Health Development CALABARZON. The partner agencies will jointly implement the research in coordination with local offices, with each institution contributing technical expertise, field operations, and data support.

The study, titled “Anti-Helminth Resistance in Southeast Asia: Implications for Control and Elimination of Intestinal Helminths,” will examine how intestinal parasites develop resistance to commonly used treatments. It will also assess how this resistance affects ongoing deworming and disease prevention programs in communities.

The research will focus on areas where intestinal parasite infections remain prevalent, particularly among school-aged children. Schools are expected to play a key role in data gathering and monitoring as part of the study’s field activities.

Funding for the project will be provided by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, which supports nationwide health research initiatives. The funding will allow researchers and partner agencies to collect data that can guide evidence-based health programs.

The study is expected to strengthen local disease control efforts and improve coordination with national health agencies. The findings may help refine treatment approaches and preventive strategies at the community level.

Results of the research are also expected to guide future health planning and policy development. The data gathered may benefit other local government units facing similar challenges related to intestinal parasite infections.