MANILA — A number of doctors are calling on the government, particularly the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to-fast track the approval of application of manufacturers for the rollout of a dengue vaccine in the country.

Dr. Hector Santos Jr., president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), said this will help save lives.

"We have to understand that they have to go through the process, but, yes, we're calling on them. Sana, they would see the history of the approval of different countries. I don't think our criteria are more stringent than the other countries. Presenting the data na milyon-milyon are already vaccinated in other countries, with the safety naman that is there, we would like to request. But, of course, government iyan... We let them go through due process," Santos said in a press briefing during the 1st Dengue Summit.

(We have to understand that they have to go through the process, but yes, we're calling on them. Hopefully, they would see the history of the approval in different countries. I don't think our criteria are more stringent than those of other countries. Presenting the data that millions are already vaccinated in other countries, with the safety that is there, we would like to request. But, of course, that is the government. We let them go through due process.)

Dr. Lulu Bravo, executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, said Takeda Pharmaceuticals' QDENGA has applied to the FDA "since last year and we are waiting for that".

The physician said they have been studying the vaccine since 2016, with her as one of the principal investigators, together with researchers from Thailand and Sri Lanka.

She said the vaccine has already been licensed in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brazil.

"As a vaccine investigator, I will assure you the safety of the QDENGA. We have been doing it for eight years now, since 2016... And it can be given for those who have not had previous dengue, which is what is different from the previous first generation dengue vaccine – that it was meant to be given only to those who had previous dengue," Bravo explained.

"The FDA should see this, and should really think that we can – just like Indonesia, Brazil, European countries – 20 countries who are now afraid of having dengue in their midst," she added.

ABS-CBN News has reached out to the FDA for a comment on the issue, pending the agency's official statement.

FIGHT VS VACCINE HESITANCY

For Dr. Rontgene Solante, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Physicians, Filipinos have become "more mature" in accepting vaccines, coming from the COVID pandemic and past controversies that hounded the Dengvaxia vaccine.

"We are more ready now compared to previous years. Events of COVID-19 have taught us a lesson why vaccination is very important... Hindi as problematic as before but hindi pa natin matantya pa rin. Iba't iba kasi ang behavior ng mga Pilipino, especially with vaccination (Not as problematic as before but we still cannot ascertain. Filipinos have different behaviors with respect to vaccination). I would say, most likely we have matured in terms of vaccination," he explained.

Solante said the government and medical experts should launch communications strategies should there be an approved vaccine for dengue, tapping media to share accurate information.

For Renato de Ávila Kfouri, President of the Department of Immunizations, Brazilian Pediatric Society (SBP), vaccination should be complemented with other preventive measures.

"Vaccine as standalone strategy doesn't work. We need to [combine] different strategies... Primary prevention: you can prevent one type, more than the second type, more than three types, depends on the vaccine, depends on the type of the virus," he said.

'ZERO DENGUE DEATHS BY 2030'

The Department of Health (DOH) and medical experts are also committed to take steps to achieve "zero dengue deaths by 2030," aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on health.

Solante said key to this is a consistent dengue surveillance, especially in local government units, so that people will know and work on the areas that are prone to dengue.

Another would be early and timely management of the disease, as he asked patients to immediately consult their doctors once symptoms persist.

Meantime, Bravo shared deaths from dengue usually come from drinking too little fluids – which may cause dehydration – and too much fluids – which may cause severe congestion.

In a statement, DOH Sec. Ted Herbosa said beating dengue entails a whole of government approach.

"Government agencies must lead with strong and well-implemented public health policies, adequate funding, and continuous surveillance and monitoring of dengue trends. We must strengthen our healthcare infrastructure to ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive patient care," he said.

"The DOH will focus its strategies and interventions on the implementation of primary care and is committed to prioritizing environmental health as a crucial component of our dengue prevention strategy. Good sanitation, improved waste management, and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites are essential interventions that can significantly reduce the risk of dengue transmission," he added.

Herbosa shared healthcare providers and community efforts must also be realized.

"In our efforts to achieve zero dengue deaths, healthcare providers are on the front lines, and their expertise is invaluable. By enhancing training, sharing best practices, and utilizing the latest technologies, we can ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care. Innovations in medical research offer us new tools and approaches to combat dengue," he said.

He cited the World Mosquito Program’s Wolbachia project aimed at reducing the ability of mosquito carriers to transmit dengue by introduction of bacteria.

Herbosa also emphasized the significant roles of community organizations and local leaders in grassroots efforts including awareness campaigns, clean-up drives, and educational programs.

"Community involvement is key to sustaining long-term change and ensuring that our initiatives reach every corner of the nation," he said.