Language Localization as a One Health Strategy for Leptospirosis Prevention in Flood-Prone Communities of the Philippines

BIO Web of Conferences 196, 04001 (2025) SMILS III https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202519604001 Language Localization as a One Health Strategy for Leptospirosis Prevention in Flood-Prone Communities of the Philippines Christian L. Banal1*, Ryan V. Labana3,4, Kristel Joy S. Cada5, Rodel Victor D. Dimasin3,6, Jose Marie T. Taller7, Diosa Marie M. Marundan7 and Khristine L. Sandoval2, 1College of Education, Arts, and Sciences, National University, Philippines, City of Manila, 1008 School of Arts and Sciences, National University, Philippines, Pasay City, 1300 3 Department of Biology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, 1006 4 Center for Health Sciences, Research Institute for Science and Technology, College of Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila, 1006 5 College of Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, New Era University, New Era, Quezon City, 1107 6 Meycauayan National High School-Senior High School, Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines, 1770 7Independent Researcher, Philippines 2 Abstract. Leptospirosis remains a recurrent public health concern in tropical inland water systems where flooding facilitates zoonotic transmission. Grounded in the One Health framework, this study localized the Leptospirosis Awareness, Warning, and Action (LAWA) Guidebook into Filipino to strengthen comprehension and community engagement among flood-prone populations. Using a participatory action research (PAR) design, a multidisciplinary team of linguists and biologists conducted three phases: linguistic simplification, cultural contextualization, and community validation. Readability assessments and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with barangay health workers and local leaders in Calamba City, Laguna. Quantitative analysis using paired-sample t-tests revealed a significant increase in comprehension scores from 62% (SD = 11.4) using the English version to 89% (SD = 7.6) with the Filipino version (p < 0.001). Qualitative data further revealed an enhanced confidence and willingness among health workers to utilize the localized guidebook in health promotion activities. Results indicate that language localization enhances accessibility, promotes ecological awareness, and strengthens community-level responses to zoonotic risks. By integrating local environmental knowledge (LEK) and plain language communication, this initiative demonstrates how linguistic adaptation operationalizes One Health principles through inclusive, culturally grounded health communication. The study highlights language as a crucial component of environmental health literacy and as a sustainable approach to disease prevention and resilience in tropical flood-risk areas. ________________________ *Corresponding author: © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). BIO Web of Conferences 196, 04001 (2025) SMILS III https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202519604001 1. Introduction Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spp., transmitted to humans primarily through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. In the Philippines, leptospirosis remains a persistent public health threat, especially during the monsoon season when flooding contaminates inland waters and overwhelms drainage systems. According to the Department of Health [8], there were 4,804 confirmed cases in 2023, with a case fatality rate of 7.9 percent. Outbreaks are prevalent in urban poor settlements near rivers, lakes, and floodplains, where environmental exposure is frequent and preventive resources are scarce [6]. Similar patterns have been reported in other tropical regions, where seasonal flooding heightens the risk of infection [3, 10]. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward leptospirosis in at-risk Philippine communities remain inconsistent. Gaps in awareness often result in delayed medical consultation and limited adoption of preventive measures [2]. Recent epidemiological data indicate a significant increase in leptospirosis cases during the 2025 rainy season. The Department of Health reported 2,396 cases nationwide from June 8 to August 7, 2025, prompting the establishment of “fast lanes” in 19 hospitals across Metro Manila to expedite diagnosis and treatment [8,11]. The Leptospirosis Awareness, Warning, and Action (LAWA) Model Guidebook is grounded in the One Health framework, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives into a unified preventive strategy [5,10]. This holistic framework is closely aligned with limnology, as both emphasize the interdependence between inland aquatic ecosystems and human and animal populations. The Philippines is a linguistically diverse nation with over 180 languages, and each region boasts its own unique cultural and linguistic identity. While English and Filipino are official languages, the continued reliance on English in public health materials often hinders comprehension, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The English-language version of the LAWA Guidebook, though technically accurate, remains inaccessible to many local health workers and residents. Although the country’s functional literacy rate stands at 91.6 percent [9], national health literacy surveys show that only 46 percent of Filipinos can accurately interpret complex medical instructions [7]. This finding underscores that general literacy does not equate to health literacy, particularly when materials contain technical terms unfamiliar to the intended audience. Language localization should therefore be regarded not only as a practical adaptation but also as a determinant of health equity. Translating the LAWA Guidebook into Filipino and other regional languages represents a strategic public health intervention. By promoting inclusive communication, localization empowers local leaders and communities to respond effectively to health risks. Contextualized and culturally resonant messaging also strengthens community trust, reinforces local identity, and fosters sustained participation in preventive actions. Previous studies in Southeast Asia have explored community engagement and behavioral responses to zoonotic diseases. Yet, few have examined the role of language as a structural determinant of public health outcomes. This study addresses that gap by positioning linguistic localization as both a communication and equity-oriented strategy within the One Health paradigm. Comparable efforts in other regions, such as the translation of malaria prevention campaigns into Swahili in Tanzania and the adaptation of COVID-19 materials into indigenous languages in Latin America, have demonstrated that localization can substantially improve comprehension and behavioral adherence. Building on these globa (...truncated)