Authorities in one of the Philippines’ most densely-populated urban centres are offering a cash reward for mosquitoes in an attempt to stop the spread of dengue.

Dengue disease, also known as dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne viral illness that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

The village chief of Barangay Addition Hills in central Manila, Carlito Cernal, announced the bounty of one peso (less than two US cents) for every five mosquitoes.

 While news of the bounty has provoked scorn on social media, Mr. Cernal has defended it as necessary for the community’s health.

The program, which will run for at least a month, was started after two students in Mr. Cernal’s neighborhood died from the disease.

Mr. Cernal added that the bounty applies to all mosquitoes’ dead or alive and their larvae,