Palawan – August 23–25, 2025 – In a historic first for the Philippines, a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for malaria was launched in a specified area of Southern Palawan. The three-day effort, held across several sites aimed to reach about 5,500 residents with life-saving medication designed to clear malaria parasites and stop their transmission.
The groundbreaking activity was made possible through the collaboration of the Local Government Unit and the municipal health unit, together with the Palawan Provincial Health Office, the Department of Health, and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI)—the social arm of Shell companies in the Philippines.
Palawan remains the only malaria-endemic province in the country, accounting for all of the locally transmitted cases of malaria nationwide. Despite remarkable progress over the years, malaria continues to threaten families living in far-flung and underserved communities. The launch of the MDA represents another decisive step in the province’s goal to eliminate local transmission by 2026.
For PSFI, this initiative is not just about distributing medicine; it reflects a deep commitment to being a good neighbor. Since 1999, PSFI has worked closely with government agencies and local communities to fight malaria through prevention, treatment, and awareness campaigns. This partnership-driven approach has saved countless lives, reduced cases dramatically, and empowered communities to protect their own health.
During the three-day administration, trained health workers and volunteers guided residents through the process, screening participants and providing the correct dosages under professional supervision. Alongside the medical effort, information campaigns were carried out to strengthen public awareness on malaria prevention and treatment.
Local leaders who championed the MDA initiative described it as a “gamechanger” in the fight against malaria. The event underscored that this initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when government, communities, and partners work hand in hand. By tackling malaria head-on, the effort is not just about protecting lives today — it is about securing a healthier future for generations to come.
As PSFI continues to support the health and wellness initiatives of Palawan, the first-ever MDA stands as proof that eliminating malaria in the Philippines is not only possible but within reach—when communities, government, and partners come together with a shared vision of hope.
