Local communities unite for prevention amidst alarming case increases
A surge in dengue cases outside Metro Manila has raised alarms since July 2024, prompting Ormoc City in Leyte to declare a state of calamity on August 8 after reporting 444 cases—225 percent higher than the 137 cases recorded during the same period last year. The Bicol Region has also seen a 40 percent increase in dengue cases, with 715 reported from January 1 to July 13, 2024, compared to 512 in 2023.
Other local government units (LGUs) like Passi City and Tigbauan in Iloilo Province have also declared states of calamity as cases rise, while Iloilo City has recorded three fatalities, including a 28-year-old woman. In Mindanao, Misamis Oriental reported 21 deaths and over 2,000 cases, with Claveria, Gingoog City, and Tagoloan among the hardest hit. Meanwhile, Tagum City in Davao del Norte has reported 933 cases and three deaths this year, highlighting the urgent need for intervention as the outbreak continues to escalate.
As dengue fever continues to pose a significant health threat in the Philippines, the importance of community involvement in prevention efforts has never been more crucial. The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) emphasizes that effective dengue prevention starts at home but must extend into the community for lasting impact.
Capacity-building at the community level
With its 12 chapters across the country, the PPS has been proactively educating families and communities about dengue through various programs and initiatives. During her presidency from 2022 to 2024, Dr. Florentina Uy-Ty, immediate past president of the PPS, spearheaded the Dengue Integrated Program, which focuses on comprehensive prevention strategies within communities. This program aims to equip families with the knowledge to recognize symptoms, manage cases at home, and implement effective vector control measures.
“The illness starts in the community,” Dr. Uy-Ty stated. “Mosquitoes thrive where there are breeding sites. If we eliminate these sites, we significantly reduce the risk of dengue outbreaks.” The PPS encourages families to make regular cleaning of their surroundings a habit, especially in areas that can hold stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed.
The Dengue Integrated Program consists of three core components: vector control, clinical training for healthcare providers, and a Training of Trainers (TOT) segment. By training health professionals within the community, the program ensures that knowledge about dengue prevention and management is disseminated effectively.
“Education is essential, but sustainability remains a challenge,” Dr. Uy-Ty explained. “Community engagement can fluctuate, so we aim to instill these practices into the daily routines of families.”
Dr. Uy-Ty also explained that dengue has four types of virus strains. If an individual contracts Dengue type 1, they gain lifelong immunity only to that specific strain. However, after a few years, they may become vulnerable to other strains. This means that despite having experienced dengue in the past, one can still contract the illness again. Alarmingly, the risk of more severe complications increases with each subsequent infection.
“The community must be made aware that they should not assume immunity after just one dengue infection,” Dr. Uy-Ty stresses. Many individuals mistakenly believe that having had dengue once protects them from future infections. This misconception is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to a false sense of security regarding their health.
The role of local government units
The PPS also collaborates with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. The partnership between the PPS and LGUs is vital, as local authorities are responsible for monitoring and responding to dengue cases in their communities.
“We measure success not just by the number of barangays we train, but by the actual outcomes—our goal is to achieve zero mortality from dengue by 2030,” Dr. Uy-Ty emphasized.
As the community awaits the approval of a dengue vaccine currently under review by the Philippine Food and Drug Authority, the PPS stresses the importance of vector control and public education. “While we adhere to the Department of Health’s 4S Strategy – Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection, Seek Early Consultation and Support fogging and spraying in hotspot areas, we appeal for the vaccine’s availability”, urged Dr. Uy-Ty. Innovative interventions such as dengue vaccination can complement the existing measures for integrated dengue prevention and control.
The PPS provides educational materials that outline dengue symptoms, management strategies, and when to seek medical attention. These resources are distributed widely in communities, ensuring that families have the necessary information at their fingertips.
In addition to education on proper sanitation and vector control, the PPS underscores the importance of embracing all available methods, including immunization, to prevent dengue. As the community rallies together to tackle this ongoing health threat, it is crucial to remain open to every preventive tool at our disposal. This includes advocating for the approval and widespread use of the dengue vaccine, which can provide another layer of protection. By uniting around a shared goal of reducing dengue cases, communities can ensure that they are giving their best effort to protect public health, leveraging both education and medical advancements in their fight against the disease.
Preventing dengue requires a concerted effort from every community member. By fostering a culture of awareness and proactive management, the Philippines can significantly reduce dengue incidence and protect public health.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Public Health Agency.
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