Health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and advocates nationwide recently convened for the inaugural Dengue Summit, organized by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), the Philippine College of Physicians, and the Philippine Pediatric Society Inc. (PPS). The summit aimed to unite efforts in addressing the urgent public health issue presented by dengue fever.
The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and its component societies collaborated with the Philippines College of Physicians and the Philippine Pediatric Society Inc. (PPS), alongside private partners from civil society organizations. Together, they released a joint manifesto and committed to collaborative action. This collective effort emphasizes the importance of leveraging new technologies, including advancements in vaccination, in combating dengue fever.
The manifesto outlines collaborative initiatives crafted to complement the government’s ongoing efforts, advocating for a comprehensive approach to dengue prevention and control in the country. In addition, several corporate entities, including Japanese companies like Takeda and Kao, not only expressed their support for the event but also pledged to contribute their expertise in developing innovative technologies.
During the summit at the Diamond Hotel Philippines, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), highlighted the significance of focusing efforts on combating dengue, a pervasive public health challenge impacting many Filipinos and straining the healthcare system. “Our goal of achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030 is ambitious yet achievable, provided we embrace collaboration and concerted action.”
Herbosa emphasized that no single entity can address this challenge alone. “The path to zero dengue deaths demands the efforts of multiple stakeholders. Government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and the private sector each have a crucial role in achieving our objectives for dengue.”
Government agencies must lead with strong, well-implemented public health policies, adequate funding, and continuous surveillance of dengue trends. “We must strengthen our healthcare infrastructure to ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient care,” he stressed.
“The DOH is guided by the 8-Point Action Agenda, ‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,’ our comprehensive strategy towards the attainment of Universal Health Care, making health a tangible reality for every Filipino, community, health worker, and institution,” he shared.
According to Herbosa, the DOH will focus on implementing primary care and prioritize environmental health as a crucial component of the dengue prevention strategy. “Good sanitation, improved waste management, and elimination of mosquito breeding sites are essential interventions that significantly reduce the risk of dengue transmission.”
Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in achieving zero dengue deaths, with their expertise in the front lines. “Enhancing training, sharing best practices, and utilizing the latest technologies can ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care. Innovations like the World Mosquito Program’s Wolbachia project offer new tools in our fight against dengue,” he shared.
Herbosa added, “Community organizations and local leaders are essential in driving grassroots efforts. Public awareness campaigns, community clean-up drives, and educational programs empower individuals to take preventive measures in their homes and neighborhoods. Community involvement sustains long-term change and ensures our initiatives reach every corner of the nation.”
At the summit, presenters Dr. Rontgene Solante and Dr. Lulu Bravo gave insightful presentations on promoting immunization awareness and addressing vaccine hesitancy in the Philippines. They stressed transparent communication from health authorities, community engagement, providing accurate information to healthcare professionals, and applying lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speakers Dr. Eggi Arguni from Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia and Dr. Renato de Avila Kfouri from the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics shared successful approaches to dengue prevention and control in their respective countries.
In conclusion, “the journey to achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030 will not be easy, but it is a journey we must undertake with determination and unity,” Herbosa stated.
The summit commits to achieving “Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030” in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3.
