Dengue cases are rising in the Philippines, prompting calls for stronger prevention efforts and innovative solutions. Public health expert Dr. Nina Gloriani emphasized the cyclical nature of dengue outbreaks and their growing severity, particularly among children. Ranked among the top 5 ASEAN countries affected by dengue, the disease’s impact on healthcare and the economy in the Philippines remains significant. Dr. Gloriani pointed out that complacency in communities and among authorities hinders consistent action.
The country’s dengue prevention strategy includes the 4S approach: search and destroy breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support fogging in hotspot areas. However, these measures need to be more consistently implemented across the nation. Dr. Gloriani stressed the importance of maintaining basic preventive actions, such as cleaning surroundings and following the 4 o’clock habit when mosquitoes are most active.
The development of next-generation vaccines offers hope for better dengue prevention. These second-generation vaccines are designed to target all four dengue serotypes and may be given to individuals with or without prior dengue infection. While the World Health Organization has recommended these vaccines for children in high-risk areas, the Philippines is cautiously rolling them out, ensuring public education before widespread use.
Drawing from Brazil’s experience in mass vaccination efforts, Dr. Gloriani noted that large-scale immunization requires significant resources and may not always be feasible. Climate change and other factors are exacerbating the global dengue burden. While dengue is unlikely to be eradicated, experts believe it can be effectively controlled through comprehensive prevention strategies, including vaccination and education.
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Ronadine Amata doesn’t let her being a student hinder her from writing about what she loves. She talks about film, cooking, culture, education, PR, Digital Marketing, brand strategies, and even the highs and lows of freelancing.
Rona’s sheer creativity stems from her exposure to her true passion, film. As the Director of Events and External Affairs Committee, and eventually the Vice President for Internal Affairs of the University of the Philippines’ Cinema Guild, she brought to life countless communications partnership activities that created a significant impact in the guild’s progress. Infusing this process into her writing, she is able to convey ideas across multiple industries – real estate, technology, lifestyle, digital marketing and PR, and more.
