FDA approval on dengue vax, collaboration for zero death urged

MANILA, Philippines — The president of the Philippines Medicine Association (PMA) emphasized the possible increase of dengue cases in the following months, highlighted by climate change as it urged the public to get immunized.

In the first dengue summit on Tuesday, Hector Santos Jr., PMA president, stressed the importance of collaboration among vital stakeholders in strategic preparedness against dengue.

«The rising number of dengue cases serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a unified front in the battle against this disease,» Santos said, highlighting the commitment to «Zero Dengue Death by 2030» with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Aside from the PMA, also present were the Philippines College of Physicians (PCP), and the Philippine Pediatric Society, Inc., which aims to mobilize the country to take action against dengue fever's critical public health risk.

Lulu Bravo, doctor of medicine and professor emeritus of infectious and tropical disease, confirmed that the number of dengue cases in the country was rising but affirmed that zero deaths by 2030 is possible, emphasizing that Cebu reported zero deaths for the past years.

Bravo said they were waiting for the Food Drug Association's approval of Qdenga vaccines. She assured the efficacy of the said vaccine.

According to the European Medicines Agency, Qdenga can be widely used by people four years and older. It has been approved in several countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, and the European Union.

Rontgene Solante, an infectious disease expert and president of the PCP, noted that urbanized areas are prone to dengue, and children, including adults, are now vulnerable.

The Department of Health (DoH) affirmed its commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare for dengue prevention plan. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed their commitment to a clean environment, better sanitation, waste disposal, and eliminating mosquito breeding areas.

In his message at the summit, Senator Christopher «Bong» Go, chairman of the Senate Health, expressed his support for the collaboration call in combating dengue.

DoH has yet to confirm the current rate