IN A BID to curb the rise of dengue cases in the country, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) requested Malacañan to grant access to a new generation of dengue vaccines.
In a letter sent by PMA addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Feb. 12, the group stressed the need for a multi-pronged approach to dengue prevention and control.
While they recognize the government’s effort for prevention strategies such as the 5S, despite the initiative being 32 years in existence since the establishment of the national dengue prevention and control program in 1993, dengue remains a public health concern.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a multi-pronged approach to dengue prevention and control that includes dengue immunization aside from vector control and clinical management,” the letter reads.
Safety of dengue vaccines, the group said might be a concern due to previous experience with CYD-TV (Dengvaxia). However, a new generation of vaccines in the market or in Phase 3 clinical trials has shown promise in effectiveness and safety.
The country was the first Asian country to approve Dengvaxia in 2015, the world’s first dengue vaccine, however, manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur admitted it causes severe symptoms to individuals who were not exposed to dengue infection.
The Food and Drug Administration suspended its sale and distribution and revoked Dengvaxia’s certificates of product registration in 2018.
PMA recommended a new generation dengue vaccine, TAK003 from the Japanese manufacturer, Takeda, which has been licensed in more than 40 countries including Indonesia, Brazil, and the European Union.
TAK003 has been recommended by the WHO for dengue prevention in highly endemic countries including the country. However, the vaccine is still pending application with the Philippine FDA since April 2023.
“Having witnessed the devastating impact of dengue on our patients and their families, we strongly urge the government to grant access to these new generation dengue vaccines and allow Filipinos the right to protect themselves from this dreadful disease, as enshrined in the Philippine Constitution,” PMA stressed.
In a media roundtable on Sunday, Feb. 23, Dr. Ma Delta Aguilar of the Philippine Pediatric Society reported that dengue cases in the country skyrocketed to 340,000 cases (with 881 deaths) as of November 2024, an 81% increase compared to 2023
“This is an underreported number because this is only for those who are complying with DOH statistics, we still do get deaths from other neighboring areas, small hospitals also have deaths that are caused by dengue,” Aguilar said.
From January to February 15, the country recorded 43,372 cases (with 166 deaths), 56% higher than 27,995 cases in the same period in 2024.
Aguilar stressed there is a need for an integrated effort from the government, healthcare providers, and communities to focus on prevention, and innovative solutions as dengue is no longer seasonal but present all year.
