THE FIGHT AGAINST DENGUE: Spearheading Innovations and Collaborative Efforts
The Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) Northern Luzon Chapter recently conducted a Media Round Table at the Newtown Plaza Hotel to discuss The Fight Against Dengue. The objective was to disseminate information on the public health problem, especially in areas with high dengue cases.
The local chapter of PPS consists of bonafide pediatricians from all over Ilocos, Abra, La Union, Baguio, and Pangasinan. To date, it boasts a membership of 370 board-certified pediatricians. Its mission is to bring together and unify members and provide leadership and expertise in the medical aspects of child health.
Their advocacy is dengue awareness especially that dengue cases are increasing in our region.
Amelen V. Palanca, MD – President, PPS NL Chapter 2024-2026 is a Graduate of UP College of Medicine Fellow of Philippine Pediatric Society, Past President of Ilocos Medical Society, President of PPS Northern Luzon.
Dra Palanca shows dengue cases in the Cordillera Administrative Region
Dengue has a history of 70 years in the Philippines and this is the longest period in the country’s history.
Regional Dengue Disease Surveillance Report in CAR, from January 1, to November 9. 2024 (Morbidity Week 1-45)
In the Province of Abra the number of cases is 490 and 1 death, Apayao – 1,711 and 4 deaths, Benguet – 10,199 and 13 deaths, Ifugao – 1,960 and 1 death, Kalinga – 2,418 and 1 death, Mountain Province – 3,368 and 5 deaths in Baguio City – 8,217 and 18 deaths.
The World Health Organization calls for an integrated, multi-pronged response to dengue, which includes dengue immunization.
Vaccination with Dengue Vaccines, Well executed and sustained vector control, Communication Strategies, Evidence-based clinical care and Robust dengue surveillance.
There are currently no proven effective treatments for a dengue, therefore, prevention of dengue is considered a key approach and this includes immunization.
Increased dengue cases worldwide as a result of climate change with Philippines having the highest number of cases and death in the ASEAN region in 2023. Several provinces and cities declared state of calamity because of significant increase number of dengue cases this year compared to previous years.
LGU efforts to prevent and control dengue include the 4S strategies as well as awareness campaign in barangays.
Several countries have implemented dengue immunization as part of their public health program like Brazil and Argentina in Latin America and Indonesia in Southeast Asia.
Dr, Mary Crist Delos-Santos Jamora says, “We have always been starts advocate of vaccination yun ang isa sa pinaka pinu push na society namin is for prevention so majority of infectious diseases are vaccine for them tapos hindi lang basta dengue lang, once na we have of data or the pieces of evidence, we are very much to push for the vaccine that will help us in controlling the data,”
Dr. Nina Gloriani says, “Kung maging part man ito n gating mitigation program, the company need na maging lisensiyado muna hindi basta-basta na pasukin natin ito at kailangan may mga data tayo at ang mga effectivity sa mga programs kung ano yun magiging epekto nito sa atin pareho lang ba ang magiging response nito sa ibang bansa like sa Brazil, kelangan pa rin natin maging safety at pag aaralan rin ito sa ating gobyerno, and with the support from the media kung maganda naman ang response nito ay maila lobby namin ito,”
Roy Fiaching – DOH-CAR Support Unit of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) says, “We are not focusing in vaccine kasi hindi gaano effective yun ating advocacy on the health promotion meron tayong another strategy just to prevent and manage the increase, but still we are focus for prevention pa rin which is the “4S” strategy for preventing dengue cases, advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines,
Search and Destroy to eliminate breeding sites: Remove stagnant water around homes, schools, and communities. Dispose of waste properly: Regularly clean and dispose of waste, especially potential breeding sites like tires, bottles, and cans.
Self-Protection – Wear protective clothing: Use long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Apply insect repellent: Use DEET-based or picaridin-based repellents.
Seek Early Consultation – Monitor for symptoms, Fever, headache, joint/muscle pain, rash, and bleeding. Consult a doctor immediately. If symptoms occur.
Say Yes to Fogging/Fumigation – Community fogging. Participate in community-led fogging activities. Indoor residual spraying: Allow trained personnel to conduct indoor spraying.
Remember, prevention is key Implementing these 4S strategies can significantly reduce dengue cases. # Mario Oclaman //FNS
