As dengue cases continue to rise in the Philippines, public health experts emphasize the need for sustained preventive efforts and innovative solutions to combat the mosquito-borne disease. Dr. Nina Gloriani, Head of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Vaccine Expert Panel, highlighted the cyclical nature of dengue and the increasing morbidity rates.
“We’ve seen an increase in severe dengue cases,” Dr. Gloriani said. “Dengue is not usually fatal, but it can seriously affect certain segments of the population, especially children.”
While school-age children, particularly those up to 9 years old and between 9 to 16 years old1,2, remain the most vulnerable, dengue’s broader impact on the healthcare system and the economy cannot be ignored. The Philippines is among the top five ASEAN countries affected by dengue, and the cyclical outbreaks demand a more proactive response3.
“Complacency is a problem we’re seeing not just in communities but perhaps among authorities as well,” Dr. Gloriani noted. “While we tend to view dengue as a seasonal disease, its broader impact must be addressed.”
Preventive measures and the role of the government
The country’s dengue prevention efforts are anchored on the 4S strategy—search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging, spraying in hotspot areas. However, Dr. Gloriani pointed out that this approach, while essential, has not been consistently implemented across the nation.
“Proactive efforts are underway in some provinces, with monitoring of breeding sites and information campaigns beginning as early as June. But these efforts are not always consistent nationwide,” she said.
As dengue cases continue to rise in the Philippines, public health experts emphasize the need for sustained preventive efforts and innovative solutions to combat the mosquito-borne disease. Dr. Nina Gloriani, Head of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Vaccine Expert Panel, highlighted the cyclical nature of dengue and the increasing morbidity rates.
“We’ve seen an increase in severe dengue cases,” Dr. Gloriani said. “Dengue is not usually fatal, but it can seriously affect certain segments of the population, especially children.”
While school-age children, particularly those up to 9 years old and between 9 to 16 years old1,2, remain the most vulnerable, dengue’s broader impact on the healthcare system and the economy cannot be ignored. The Philippines is among the top five ASEAN countries affected by dengue, and the cyclical outbreaks demand a more proactive response3.
“Complacency is a problem we’re seeing not just in communities but perhaps among authorities as well,” Dr. Gloriani noted. “While we tend to view dengue as a seasonal disease, its broader impact must be addressed.”
Preventive measures and the role of the government
The country’s dengue prevention efforts are anchored on the 4S strategy—search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging, spraying in hotspot areas. However, Dr. Gloriani pointed out that this approach, while essential, has not been consistently implemented across the nation.
“Proactive efforts are underway in some provinces, with monitoring of breeding sites and information campaigns beginning as early as June. But these efforts are not always consistent nationwide,” she said.
ADVT.
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