THE UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao will extend its two-year Pasyente Project for Dengue as part of a collaborative effort to combat high dengue cases in Davao City.
Prof. Cinmayii Manliguez, UP Mindanao project lead, highlighted that this project is the first in the Philippines to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) operations research and leverage health expertise to improve health care, especially for patients suspected of having dengue.
This includes a mobile and web application for dengue screening and patient support. Three features influenced by AI technology are the dengue pre-assessment form, AI-powered dengue pre-diagnosis, and search for healthcare facilities.
Manliguez shared in an interview that they are finding ways to further lengthen the project as it is currently under validation with plans for launching or deployment.“We’d like to extend it kase not because of the researchers, not because of the improvements we’ve seen but because of our stakeholders. So, sila talaga yung nagpush na mas maganda nandito ito na functions and features,” she said on Feb 23.
The project was launched on Nov 3, 2022, ended on Nov 4, 2024, and was extended until Mar 3, 2025.
She also said that they are seeking to partner with more private hospitals, clinics, and local government units.
Currently, the project’s partner agencies and dengue-defense experts are the City Health Office, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Department of Health XI, Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., Buhangin Health District, Dengue Task Forces in Davao City, and others.
Pasyente Project for Dengue is in collaboration with UP Manila National Telehealth Center and is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.
The CHO recorded a total of 6,525 confirmed dengue cases from Jan to Dec 2023 which is 65.4% higher than the record from the previous year. Dengue mortality rate in Davao City also increased from 21 deaths in 2022 to 51 in 2023. The CHO said 90% of dengue deaths could have been prevented if patients had gone to healthcare facilities sooner.
