As the Philippines grapples with an alarming rise in dengue cases, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are calling for a renewed focus on prevention and the adoption of forward-thinking solutions to address healthcare gaps in dengue management and prevention.

Exacerbated by rising global temperatures, dengue fever has become an increasingly critical seasonal challenge in the country. Frequent typhoons and heightened annual rainfall create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly in vulnerable grassroots communities. From January to October 2024, the Philippines reported 314,785 dengue cases and 3,000 deaths, making it the country with the highest number of cases and fatalities in ASEAN. [1]

In an interview, Dr. Florentina Ty, the immediate past President of the Philippine Pediatrics Society (PPS), emphasizes the necessity of proactive dengue prevention strategies. "We must move beyond a 'ningas kugon’ (hardworking or great at first, but eventually, no longer continues what was started.) approach of reacting only when outbreaks have escalated, especially at the community level—and instead embed sustained, proactive measures into our healthcare system to combat dengue effectively."

Fighting with one hand tied behind our backs

The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to report a dengue epidemic in 1954. Since then, the country has consistently struggled to curb dengue cases and prevent hundreds of deaths—mostly children—each year. Furthermore, subsequent dengue infections pose a greater risk of developing severe symptoms such as hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Despite all this, the Philippines has long been at a disadvantage in fighting dengue. While 24 other nations, including neighboring ASEAN countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, have successfully classified dengue as a vaccine-preventable disease through comprehensive strategies, the Philippines continues to lag behind. [2]

The absence of an FDA-approved dengue vaccine in the country creates a critical gap in its efforts to address this decades-long public health challenge, leaving the nation vulnerable to repeated outbreaks and preventable deaths.

The controversy surrounding the previous dengue vaccine has further compounded the issue. While allegations against the first generation of dengue vaccine were ultimately unproven, the politicization of the situation eroded public confidence in vaccines and created a lasting setback for the country’s healthcare system.

Hope for a better tomorrow

Emerging regional strategies offer a promising blueprint for the Philippines. Through comprehensive public health interventions, neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Singapore have demonstrated remarkable progress. Sri Lanka, in particular, has dramatically reduced dengue case fatality rates from 5% in 1996 to near-zero levels in 2024.[3]

Health experts highlight these nations’ integrated approaches—combining targeted vaccination programs, aggressive vector control measures, and widespread community education—as a model that the Philippines can adopt to address its own dengue burden.

Central to this success is the introduction of the second-generation dengue vaccine, which offers renewed hope in the fight against the disease. Already approved in several ASEAN nations, this vaccine overcomes many of its predecessor's limitations by providing protection regardless of prior exposure to the dengue virus.

“The second-generation dengue vaccine has a higher safety profile,” emphasized Dr. Ty. “It can be administered to patients even without previous exposure to dengue.”

The new dengue vaccine, developed using a dengue virus backbone rather than the yellow fever virus used in its predecessors, marks a significant advancement in the fight against all dengue serotypes. Particularly, this vaccine has shown efficacy against dengue type 2 (DENV-2) —the strain responsible for the most severe cases.[4] By eliminating the need for prior screening to determine exposure and addressing the side effects associated with first-generation vaccines, this second-generation vaccine offers a safer, more accessible solution for widespread immunization efforts.

Achieving zero dengue death

The Department of Health's 5S Preventive Dengue Campaign—Search and Destroy, Self-Protection, Seek Early Consultation, Support Fogging, and Sustain Hydration—remains the cornerstone of dengue prevention in the Philippines.

However, Dr. Ty stressed the critical need for a dedicated champion in each community to proactively monitor grassroots situations, ensuring the sustainability and continuity of initiatives and policies despite changes in leadership. She emphasized that combating dengue effectively requires a collective responsibility and a whole-of-community approach.

The Philippine medical community remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving “Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030,” which aligns with the World Health Organization's sustainable development goals. “Achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030 is possible if we work together—other countries have done it,” said Dr. Ty. “By prioritizing vector control and the possibility of integrating the use of vaccines, we have a stronger chance of reducing dengue cases and reaching zero mortality.”

Dr. Ty also underscored the lessons from the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which demonstrated how widespread immunization and robust public health strategies can effectively reduce infection rates and save lives. She noted that the success of these campaigns provides a valuable framework for dengue prevention, highlighting the parallel significance of integrating vaccines to complement existing healthcare practices and mitigate disease burdens.

Healthcare professionals continue the call toward sustainable actions and innovative solutions to combat dengue effectively. Just as neighboring countries have made significant strides in reducing dengue mortality, Filipino healthcare professionals hope for a better future where our communities are safeguarded from the devastating impact of this preventable disease.

References:
1.https://www.adva.asia/dengue-dashboard/
2.https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/second-gen-dengue-vaccine-found-24-countries-2024-07-29
3.https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/14-08-2024-sri-lanka-successfully-conducts-capacity-building-program-in-clinical-management-of-dengue--for-bangladeshi-health-staff#:~:text=Dengue%20is%20a%20public%20health,time%20to%200.07%25%20in%202023
4.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1477893923000583 .

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in conjunction with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a prominent real estate developer in Southeast Asia, has urged local public officials to abstain from the extraction of groundwater. Instead, they are advocating for a shift towards rainwater collection methods, promoting recycling and impoundment. Furthermore, officials are being encouraged to delve into innovative technologies like modular desalination and modular sewage treatment facilities. These measures aim to effectively address the impact of climate change on the nation's water resources.

During the recent "Towards a Greener Footprint" multi-stakeholder symposium held in Iloilo City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga presented a series of solution-oriented directives aimed at aiding the local government in curbing their carbon footprint. Notably, Yulo-Loyzaga underscored the significance of water preservation as a pivotal measure to tackle the impending water scarcity while concurrently enhancing the populace's availability to secure water sources and sanitation facilities.

At the multi-stakeholder forum, "Towards a Greener Footprint", in Iloilo City recently, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared solutions-focused guidelines to help the local government reduce carbon footprint, with emphasis on water conservation to address the looming water crisis and increase access to safe water and sanitation. From left to right: Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, journalist Ces Drilon, Secretary Loyzaga, urban planning and landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) co-chair Michaela Rossette Santo-Tayag and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio. Photo credits to Arnold ALmacen/Iloilo city Office of the Mayor

 

“We need to invest in the appropriate engineering and infrastructure to deliver water from the source,” Secretary Loyzaga said. “We must avoid, if not reduce drastically, the extraction of groundwater which in low-lying coastal areas causes subsidence and increases flooding.”

“Rainwater catchments will not only provide additional supply for household use but will also help ensure the availability of surface water through the maintenance of watershed cover when impounded,” Secretary Loyzaga said.

Based on the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, water abstracted for own use increased from 215.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2020 to 217.8 bcm in 2021 countrywide. From 2010 to 2021, the largest amount of self-abstracted water is for the power sector (58.7%). This was followed by agriculture (33.5%); mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and construction (5.3%); and services sector and households (2.6%).




Earlier this month, the DENR said the country still has enough water supply, but proper management is needed to prevent a possible water crisis by the end of the year.

The call was met with a resounding response from the private sector, particularly, SM Prime. In the same forum, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza B. Silerio shared how SM Prime has stepped up the sustainability programs that it has been doing since SM Supermalls started recycling water in the 1990s.

From rainwater catchment to help deter flooding in communities where its malls are located, SM Prime also pioneered the mall-based rainwater filtration system that converts the collected rainwater to be potable enough for washing, cleaning and even drinking. Launched at SM City Baguio, the facility will supply mall tenants with enough potable water to help reduce sourcing from the communities’ water table.

“As an integrated property developer, we have seen the first-hand effects of natural hazards that are caused by the change in weather patterns in the Philippines,” Engr. Silerio explained. “El Nino and La Nina are two phenomena resulting from climate change. Our country ranks number one in the World Risk Index 2022 report as the most vulnerable among 193 nations.”

Faced with this challenge, Engr. Silerio shared that SM Prime will continue to find innovative ways to address the climate challenges. “We continue to evolve and adapt technology to improve our resource consumption as part of our climate action,” she concluded.

 

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) recently held its 10th edition of "Usapang Puso sa Puso" (Heart to Heart Talk). It is one of the many informative programs of the association where people can watch and learn. In this edition, the program discusses the heart health of our fathers, thus, titled "Puso Ni Daddy Sintigas pa ba ng Haligi?" Aside from the discussion, it also aims to educate people entirely about heart issues and problems. Experts also share their insights and practices on how to prevent having heart problems. Panelists from different expertise were present to share their knowledge about the subject matter, namely, Dr. Jorge Sison, Dr. Badette Arevalo, and Dr. Benjamin Quito. Mayor Richard Gomez, an advocate of CPR, is also part of the panel but was on official business.

There were questions relating to heart problems were raised in the program, and our panel of experts addressed them accordingly. Aside from their insights about the subject matter, they were also generous enough to share some of the practices they believe can help prevent heart problems.

What interests me more was the ways to know or detect symptoms or changes in our body that contributes to developing heart problems or if we're having problems already with our heart. So, what are the things to watch out for us to know if we're at risk of having a heart problem or already experiencing a heart problem?

• 1. If you're having difficulty breathing with a few activities.
• 2. Sudden unexplained pain in the chest.
• 3. Obesity, Dad bod, or abdominal obesity can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• 4. Inactivity or no physical activity.
• 5. If with vices like cigarette smoking and drinking. According to Dr. Sison, men are more prone to cardiovascular diseases.

This list is just some of the many things to watch out for to prevent having cardiovascular disease. So, if you're experiencing some of these, maybe it's about time for you to visit your friendly neighborhood doctor for a check-up.

PHA always has programs for the public to give awareness about cardiovascular diseases and how to prevent it. It is the organization's way of helping out in every possible way. So, if you want to know more about its plans and activities, you can visit their website Philippine Heart Association (philheart.org), or their Facebook page Philippine HEART Association