Rep. Angelina Tan pushes for mandatory immunization

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Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, Chairperson on House Committee on Health, reaffirmed her stand on mandatory immunization amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to prevent future outbreaks from happening.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected and impacted our lives in a totally unprecedented way. Millions of people around the world have been infected, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead. In the Philippines, we have more than 14,000 total confirmed cases and close to 900 deaths because of this pandemic.

This Wednesday morning, May 27, a webinar zoom event was held as "Kapihan sa Manila Bay" with Marichu Villanueva, who hosts its first-ever kapihan online with the topic: AFTER THE COVID-19 CONTAGION, HOW CAN THE PHILIPPINES PREPARE BETTER FOR ANY FUTURE PANDEMIC?

The panelists were Congresswoman Angelina Tan, Chairperson, Committee on Health, House of Representatives, Congressman Adriano Ebcas, AKO PADAYON Pilipino party-list representative, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire, Public Health Epidemiologist Dr. Troy Gepte and Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director, Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.

Tan cited the importance of pursuing the government’s immunization program even during the community quarantine as a way to ensure that children are protected from future pandemics.

“We have several initiatives in Congress in relation to the country’s immunization program,” Tan revealed. “We are pushing for the creation of the NITAG, a national immunization advisory board, and we are trying to adopt a school-based immunization program that will benefit our students,” she added.

Tan also reaffirmed her call for an open, competitive bidding process in vaccines. According to Tan, an important element in the immunization program is to ensure that the procurement of vaccines is done in such a way that no single manufacturer is favored. The specifications in bidding should not favor a single brand.

Health Undersecretary Dr. Ma. Rosario Vergeire explained in the same forum that the DOH suspended the bidding for PCVs after new evidence that they need to look into more carefully was presented.

“Nung lumabas ang bagong ebidensiya na sinubmit sa atin, ang desisyon namin ay ipasok muna sa Health Technology Assessment Center (HTAC). HTAC is reviewing the procurement, which is really the right process. Ngayon po hindi pa lumalabas ang recommendation ng HTAC,” Vergeire revealed.

The DOH previously requested the HTAC to review the National Immunization Program (NIP), particularly the Pneumococcal Vaccination Program for children, in light of new 2017 and 2019 evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO).

In February 2019, WHO reaffirmed this earlier position saying that the two available PCVs in the market--PCV10 and PCV13--are equally effective in preventing overall pneumococcal diseases in children. The position paper also states that there is at present insufficient evidence of a difference in the net impact of the two available PCVs on overall disease burden.

During the Kapihan webinar zoom meeting, Dr. Lulu Bravo, an epidemiologist, and professor of Pediatric Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the College of Medicine of UP Manila stressed that the new evidence regarding PCVs that came out recently came from experts themselves.

 “According to the WHO, when it comes to pneumococcal vaccination for children, both PCV10 and PCV13 are just as good. The important thing is cost-effectiveness,” Bravo noted.

 “We should follow what the WHO says, being experts in their field. If you cannot believe WHO, who will you believe?” she added

“Both vaccines exist. If the health assessment proves that both PCV10 and PCV13 have the same effects, then we need to go through a procurement process that’s open and competitive so the government can save on costs,” Tan said.

On a related note, Rep. Adriano A. Ebcas of the Ako Padayon Pilipino Partylist revealed that he and three other partylist representatives filed a resolution urging the DOH to ensure the continued safe implementation of the mandated National Immunization Program for children despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House Resolution aims to encourage and support the DOH in its endeavor to contain the current outbreak and prevent future community outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The resolution also aims to secure and ensure a stable supply of available vaccines through the continued conduct of open, fair, and competitive bidding, thereby preventing any “outbreak within an outbreak.”

In the resolution, the solons declared,

“An open, fair, competitive public procurement of NIP vaccines provide the Filipino people the broadest possible options for affordable, quality, and registered vaccines, allowing for potential significant savings to the government while at the same promoting strong public governance.”

Chinese medical experts arrived in Manila to share their learnings in handling COVID-19 cases

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Twelve Chinese medical experts arrived in Manila April 5 to share their learnings in handling COVID-19 cases with Filipino medical professionals.

“They have a lot of good practices when they managed their COVID-19 patients in Wuhan and Hubei,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, referring to the Chinese medical experts who had firsthand experience in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.

However, Duque clarified that their tasks will be purely advisory. “It is really guiding how to improve, level-up our COVID-19 response, learn different levels of surveillance, risk-assessment, isolation strategies, detection through accurate testing, clinical case management, and non-pharmaceutical public health measures," he added. 

The Chinese medical experts, together with DOH staff, are scheduled to visit RITM, the Lung Center of the Philippines, San Lazaro Hospital and quarantine facilities to train Filipino medical professionals. They will be here for 15 days or until April 19. 

The Chinese experts also brought with them 5,000 PPEs, 300,000 surgical masks, 30,000 medical N95 masks, 5,000 medical protective face shields and 30 non-invasive ventilators from the Chinese Government.

(Press Release/5 April 2020)

Eye Health Services Part of Universal Health Care --- DOH

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An estimated 2.2 billion people around the world suffer from vision impairment. Yet the first World Health Report on Vision, recently by the World Health Organization (WHO), reveals that half of them, or about 1.1 billion, do not receive the care they need for conditions like near and far sightedness, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Forum on World Report on Vision 2019 press conference (L-R): Dr. Andreas Mueller, Regional Advisor, World Health Organization (WHO) and Dr. Leo Cubillan, Director, Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI)

Based on the 2018 Philippine National Blindness Survey and Eye Disease Study conducted by the Philippine Eye Research Institute of the National Institute for Health, vision impairment and blindness rank among the major concerns in the country with a current prevalence rate of 1.98%. This represents 1.11 million Filipinos with cataract, 400,000 with uncorrected error of refraction, almost 300,000 with glaucoma, and 200,000 with maculopathy. Additionally, there are over 4 millionFilipinos living with undiagnosed eye problems that need to be addressed.

Although the prevalence of bilateral blindness due to cataracts and errors of refraction has decreased in the past years, there are still thousands of Filipinos with moderate to severe vision impairment.

“We are fortunate that these diseases can be treated with surgery or prescription eyeglasses. These can also be easily prevented with regular consumption of Vitamin A, injury prevention, and immunization for measles and rubella that cause vision impairment,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque emphasized.

In line with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, the Department of Health (DOH) is gearing toward providing comprehensive eye care services, integrating eye care within local health systems, and responding to emerging eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

“Through the primary care provider network that will be institutionalized under UHC, we hope to bring easy access and seamless referral to ophthalmic units, comprehensive eye centers, and national ophthalmic specialty centers. These health facilities will be capacitated to deliver the appropriate eye care services,” Duque explained.

The country’s Prevention of Blindness Program is revamped with the issuance of revised policies, aligning the program with UHC and WHO’s goal of universal eye health, while ensuring that it remains responsive to the changing trends in blindness and visual impairment.

“The DOH is fully committed to working with our partners to address blindness and visual impairment in our country. Together, we can achieve our vision of Filipinos enjoying the right to sight, with no one going needlessly blind or visually-impaired,” the Health Chief concluded.

Globe supports DOH in promoting mental health awareness

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Globe Telecom continues its support to the Department of Health (DOH) in promoting mental health awareness in the Philippines. In its pursuit to provide a platform for a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, toll-free Hopeline 2919 was built with the support of Globe providing the necessary technology for it.

Depression continues to be a leading cause of ill health and disability among many countries around the world. Many people think that depression is not an illness but just a negative feeling that one eventually snaps out of but in fact, it is one of the leading causes of suicide.

Based on data from the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people are currently undergoing depression, up by more than 18 percent from 2005 to 2015. In the Philippines, an estimated 3.3 million Filipinos are suffering from depression. Only 1 out of 3 who suffer from depression will seek the help of a specialist and one third will not even be aware of their condition.

With the creation of Hopeline in 2012, over 14,000 calls have been received and most of the calls were related to issues on depression, suicidal thoughts and relationship problems.

“Today, many people are still unaware of the causes of depression, anxiety and other serious mental health disorders. The illness is highly misunderstood and is further exacerbated by the stigma attached to it. Hence, there is a need to better understand the Filipinos who are under these circumstances. It is necessary to make them feel that they are not alone in their fight; that there are people who care and are a willing to listen,” explains Secretary Francisco Duque III of the Department of Health.

“By powering the hotline, Globe makes the significant contribution of turning the tide and raising awareness on mental health. This way, we are able to offer various opportunities for people to seek help and support,” adds Yoly Crisanto, SVP for Globe Corporate Communications. 

Reinforcing its efforts to promote education on mental health awareness, Globe in partnership with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, College of St. Benilde (CSB), and the National Center for Mental Health launched “Hope in 40 Seconds”, a video animation competition among students and young adults aged 16-30 years old.

The competition aims to promote the importance of mental health among Filipinos and boost awareness for Hopeline 2919. “Hope in 40 Seconds” wishes to convey to people undergoing depression and who may be exhibiting suicidal tendencies that they are not alone, that there are others who actually care and are willing to listen.

The Top 5 finalists of the “Hope in 40 Seconds” competition are “Hope in your Hands,” by Nia Colinayo and Jade Velasquez; “Light Beyond Shadows” by Rex Lynnus Sueno, “Out of Reach,” by Maria Marquiala and Ralph Reyes; “Hope^4” by Aleks Elizabeth Dolor Isla; and “Black White Red,” by Ma. Isabella Parca.

An awarding ceremony is set to recognize the best three entries this April 2018 at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Raising Care for Rare awareness campaign

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Care and awareness for rare diseases, more research and support of everybody is paramount. Care for Rare awareness campaign and more research can help increase the understanding of these diseases and identify unknown ones. This Care for Rare awareness campaign brings hope to many people living with a rare disease around the nation and their families.

As part of the continuous efforts to promote public awareness on Rare Diseases, the Philippine General Hospital, UP National Institutes of Health and the Philippine Society of Orphan Disorders together with the Department of Health, is pioneering the Care for Rare awareness campaign held at the Philippine General Hospital Out-Patient Department. 

The campaign runs from October 17 to November 16, 2017. During this month-long campaign, an information table is set up manned by health volunteers who would be giving out informational materials about rare diseases specifically Lysosomal Storage Disorders like: Pompe disease, MPS I &II, Fabry disease and Gaucher disease. Patients can approach these volunteers to inquire about the diseases as well. 

As a globally competitive medical and health facility, the Philippine General Hospital is strongly committed to render quality healthcare to the Filipino people through networking and teamwork of its competent, compassionate and ethical health professionals, and by being a center of excellence and leadership in health care training and research that impacts on health policies.

Guided by this mission, this PGH Care for Rare campaign aims to bring national attention and awareness on the impact of rare diseases among people and the ways by which families and communities can help realize the spirit and intention of R.A. No. 10747 or the Rare Disease Law. 

The Philippines has achieved a very important milestone when the Rare Disease Act was passed into law which seeks to improve the access of patients with rare diseases to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information that would help them cope with their condition.

Public awareness plays a very important part in comprehensive healthcare; and a comprehensive healthcare respects everyone’s right to life. 

The campaign for national Rare Disease awareness is a shared responsibility and there is a great need to work together for this to be successful.

Rare diseases do not only affect patients but also their families. Thus the presence of a Rare Disease law somehow alleviates the position of which families with a rare disease patient are in.

As of the moment, the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the RD law are still being finished and parents of RD patients like me are looking forward to its implementation because that will ensure that budget will be allocated to RD programs. This law gives us hope in making sure that people with rare diseases are given a chance at life, says Mrs. Cynthia Magdaraog, President of the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders and parent of a Pompe disease patient.

Mrs. Magdaraog is a mother of a rare disease patient, Dickoy, with Pompe disease, now an Industrial Design graduate and an accomplished entrepreneur despite only being able to move his wrists.  --- (Youth For Health)

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them.

The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priorities. With this information campaign, both the private and government organizations working behind it are hoping to address the need for effective identification and diagnosis of rare diseases among our country’s population. 

Public awareness plays a very important part in comprehensive healthcare; and a comprehensive healthcare respects everyone’s right to life. 

The campaign for national Rare Disease awareness is a shared responsibility and there is a great need to work together for this to be successful.

Caring for Rare: 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium

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The 1st Philippine Rare Disease Symposium was held at the Century Park Hotel, Metro Manila, hosted by University of the Philippines National Institute for Health (NIH) and the Department of Health (DOH) last February 22, 2017 with the theme 'Working together for Better Care.'

The Philippines celebrates the 8th National Rare Disease Week on 22-28 February 2017 which, together with the global commemoration of the Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2017, highlights the need to intensify the country’s efforts to provide adequate health care and government support to persons afflicted with a Rare Disease otherwise known as orphan disorder.

What is a rare disease? 

A “life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases which are of such low prevalence that special combined efforts are needed to address them”.¹ According to the World Health Organization, a disease is considered rare when it affects one person out of 2,000 or less.²

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them. The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country’s health priorities.

The country recently enacted the Rare Diseases Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10747) which seeks to “improve the access of persons diagnosed to have a rare disease, or persons highly suspected of having a rare disease, to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information to help them cope with their condition.” 

The law mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide benefit package; medical assistance as provided in the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012; fiscal incentives for donations intended for researches on rare diseases, maintenance of the Rare Disease Registry, or for purchase of orphan drugs or orphan products for use solely by persons with rare diseases as certified by FDA. Further, under RA 10747, patients with rare disease will also be considered as persons with disabilities and will be granted benefits and privileges such as priority programs and discounts as mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Challenges in living with rare disease⁶

Beyond the diversity of the diseases, rare disease patients and their families are confronted with the same wide range of difficulties arising directly from the rarity of these pathologies:

• Lack of access to correct diagnosis: the period between the emergence of the first symptoms and the appropriate diagnosis involves unacceptable and highly risky delays, as well as wrong diagnosis leading to inaccurate treatments (the pre-diagnosis maze);
• Lack of information: about both the disease itself and about where to obtain help, including lack of referral to qualified professionals;
• Lack of scientific knowledge: this results in difficulties in developing therapeutic tools, in defining the therapeutic strategy and in shortage of therapeutic products, both medicinal products and appropriate medical devices;
• Social consequences: living with a rare disease has implications in all areas of life, whether school, choice of future work, leisure time with friends, or affective life. It may lead to stigmatization, isolation, exclusion from social community, discrimination, and often reduced professional opportunities (when at all relevant);
• Lack of appropriate quality healthcare (combining different spheres of expertise): Patients can live for several years in precarious situations without competent medical attention, including rehabilitation interventions; they remain excluded from the health care system, even after the diagnosis is made;
• High cost of the few existing drugs and care: the additional expense of coping with the disease, in terms of both human and technical aids, combined with the lack of social benefits and reimbursement, cause an overall pauperisation of the family, and dramatically increases the inequity of access to care for rare disease patients.
• Lack of access to treatment, if treatment is at all available.

Mr. Randy Martinez, recounts the challenges of going back and forth to the hospital as her daughter Pauline, seeks treatment for her Gaucher disease. Pauline who is now 11 years old, was noticed to have a small bump on her left torso when she was 6 months old and was later found out after years of several tests to be Gaucher disease. 

“Sana magpatuloy pa ang paggamot kay Pauline at marami pang tumulong sa kanya para dire-diretso ang gamutan. Para makapag tapos din siya ng pag-aaral”, Pauline’s father said.

² de Vrueh, R., Baekelandt, R.F. & de Haan, J.M.H.. (2013). World Health Organization Update on 2004 Background Paper: Priority Medicines for Europe and the World "A Public Health Approach to Innovation".

⁶ Eurodis/ (2005). “Rare Diseases: understanding this Public Health Priority”.

#careforrareph

Sanofi Pasteur Presents Updates and Truth About the Dengue Vaccine

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Sanofi Pasteur, the world leader in human vaccines, recently presents updates and truth about Dengvaxia, known as Dengue Vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur has invested in the research and development of a dengue vaccine for about 20 years.

Dengue is a high-profile and ongoing public health concern in the Philippines. During the press conference on Friday, October 21, held at The Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City, Sanofi Pasteur, presents full data and updates on dengue.

Dengue cases rose to epidemic levels in 2015 with an average of 220 reported cases per day.

The first known epidemic of severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever anywhere in the world was recorded in Manila in 1953.

By the mid-1970s, severe dengue had become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in the region. Between 2004 and 2010, the Philippines experienced the seventh highest number of dengue cases in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

2016 data suggests an increasing trend in reported dengue cases

In 2013, DOH reported 204,906 cases of dengue, the highest number recorded since the establishment of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in 1993. More than 200,000 dengue cases were reported in the Philippines in 2015, 80,000 more than were reported in 2014. In both September and October 2015, the number of reported cases rose above the epidemic threshold. 

Although the number of reported dengue cases slightly decreased in 2014, the 2015 data suggest an increasing trend in cases in the coming years. Recent data gathered by the Department of Health from January to 24 September this year shows an increase of 11.5 percent year on year across the country, with total dengue infections at 142,247 compared to 127,525 last year and 604 recorded fatalities 

Based on Philippine surveillance data collected between 2011 and 2015, an average of 220 dengue cases were reported in the country every day. In 2015, almost 50% of reported cases came from three most urbanized regions: Region 3 (17.6%), Region 4 (17.3%), and the National Capital Region (12.6%). Cases stemming from all four serotypes of dengue were reported in 2015.

Disease burden: US$345 million per year

The economic burden of dengue in the Philippines is substantial. A study published in 2015 estimated that between 2008 and 2012, clinically diagnosed dengue cases in the Philippines were associated with a direct medical cost (in 2012 US dollars) of $345 million annually. 

The study calculated the average cost of treatment per case to be $409, representing 16% of the Philippines’ 2012 per capita GDP. Sixty-five percent of cases were treated in inpatient hospitals, representing 90% of direct costs.

In addition to dengue’s burden on a household, the illness can adversely impact a country’s economy through a loss of productivity caused by the illness and pre-mature death, increased healthcare costs and a possible reduction in tourism.

Seasonality and global climate change

Dengue has become a year-round threat in the Philippines. However, data suggests that the number of dengue cases increases one to two months after the onset of the rainy season, resulting in a peak of dengue cases between July and November each year. 

The Philippines is severely affected by extreme weather events and is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Vector-borne diseases like dengue may be particularly sensitive to both periodic fluctuations and sustained changes in global and local climates. Additionally, a study examining data from eight Asian countries including the Philippines over 18 years revealed a strong correlation between regional dengue epidemics and elevated temperatures associated with El Niño.

DoH implements a step-wise public vaccination program in 2016

The Department of Health announced on 4 January 2016 that one million (1M) nine-year-old Filipinos enrolled in government schools in Region 3, Region 4-A and the National Capital Region will be the first beneficiaries of the government-procured dengue vaccine. 

In a recent dengue vaccine cost-effectiveness study performed by Professor Hilton Lam of the UP-National Institutes of Health, a nationwide annual routine vaccination of nine-year olds starting in 2016 would lead to an estimated 24.2% reduction in dengue cases in the country over a five-year period. This would translate to 775,053 avoided cases of dengue, 502,000 avoided hospitalizations, 22,010 avoided deaths and almost Php 21 billion in avoided cost to society.

Beyond the Vial: A Social Value Business Model For Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengue Vaccine

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Dengue is a serious and complex disease. Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. The mosquitos that transmit dengue indiscriminately pass the disease amongst people of all ages and socio-economic levels. Aedes aegypti has been identified as the main dengue-carrying culprit, biting between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Another one is Aedes albopictus, has been discovered to have peak biting hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. In tandem, these mosquito strains now make dengue a round-the-clock concern.

Dengue is a major public health priority. Dengue vaccination is a critical addition to the integrated disease prevention efforts needed to more effectively manage dengue burden. The tide of dengue could be better controlled through enhanced international collaborations in public health, and an innovative social business model with a vaccine at its core.

What's the best line of defense against dengue? About half of the world’s population lives in areas where dengue is endemic, and millions suffer its seemingly bone-breaking pain and severe fevers, each year. 

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi,  is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Sanofi discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs.

Dr Su-Peing Ng, Global Medical Head Sanofi Pasteur and Professor Tikki Pang from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (2012 ) and at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland as Director of its Research Policy & Cooperation department (1999-2012)

A media round table talks las September 20, 2016 held at The New World Hotel with with Dr Su-Peing Ng, Global Medical Head Sanofi Pasteur as she talks about Combatting Dengue with World's First Vaccine: From Innovation to Implementation and Professor Tikki Pang explains health Impact and value of dengue vaccination.

It was twenty years ago when the global healthcare leader, Sanofi Pasteur identified the potential scale of the dengue problem at its early stages, and began to put in place a set of innovative scientific and industrial solutions. In 2015, the dengue vaccine received its first market approvals. 

In July 2016, after more than two years of review processes and inputs from clinical trial data and from top global dengue and infectious diseases experts, the World Health Organization issued its recommendation that countries where the dengue burden is high should consider vaccine introduction as part of integrated dengue prevention and control measures.As of September 14th 2016, the vaccine was licensed in 9 endemic countries in Asia and Latin America and public immunization programs are underway in Brazil and the Philippines, while the vaccine is also available on the private markets in those countries as well as in Mexico and El Salvador. 

The story behind the vaccine is one of hard-earned research and development – but you’ve heard that story before. This story goes beyond the vial, as well: It’s about a new, social value business model that Sanofi Pasteur has built in collaboration with dengue-endemic countries and global health institutions. In time, it can help control dengue. But as importantly, it can help to support better healthcare outcomes in emerging markets by accelerating access to needed innovations. 

When Sanofi Pasteur first identified a viable dengue vaccine candidate, we saw the opportunity todevelop a health solution specifically for the countries where the dengue burden is highest. We wanted to make sure that people who lived in grip of dengue’s threat were the people for whom the vaccine is designed and delivered primarily. It sounds simple enough but in traditional pharmaceutical business models, this is often not the case. More often than not, travelers and other select groups of individuals from high-income countries have access to new preventive tools against tropical diseases first, at a premium, before these solutions are made available, often as many as 10 years later, in less rich economies, even if this is where the disease burden is heaviest. 

Our faith in this“flipping the model” approach was inspired by the scale of the dengue problem. Vaccines are widely considered among the most effective healthcare interventions against infectious diseases. They often confer protection against a disease that extends beyond the vaccinated to also the unvaccinated population. Given dengue’s massive spread, a vaccine could help national authorities in dengue-endemic countries achieve WHO 2020 objectives for dengue reductions in mortality (50%) and morbidity (25%) if it is implemented in large-scale public health programs1. 

We anticipated this, and began building robust public health collaborations and industrial resources essential to success. The global clinical development program of the vaccine included 40,000 participants in 15 countries across Asia and Latin America.  We invested in extensive skills training for healthcare personnel, upgraded healthcare facilities and increased prevention and education efforts. We captured new scientific insights into dengue epidemiology and transmission which is shared with host governments. In parallel, Sanofi Pasteur built a dedicated dengue-vaccine production facility that will allow large and cost-effective supply to support optimal uptake of the vaccine as needed around the world. 

Successful implementation of dengue vaccination programs can help governments in dengue-endemic countries to take control over the disease. Mathematical modeling of the vaccine’s impact indicate that if countries take up broad public vaccination programs in highly dengue-endemic countries like those that participated in the Phase III development of the vaccine, vaccination can help cut the burden of disease in half over five years. Healthcare systems’ loads can be lightened and they can attract further outside public health investment with demonstrated program results. Successful vaccination programs therefore have the potential to be catalysts for social and economic progress. Today, states like Paraná in Brazil are taking up the lead in this effort. Public program introduction of the dengue vaccine in Mexico has been recommended by CONAVA, that country’s National Vaccination Council. Countries like these that have participated in the clinical development of the vaccine can see the value in the entire process as well as in the potential future results. 

At Sanofi Pasteur, we welcome enhanced support and investment in the robust public-private collaborations that ensure broad reach for innovative health solutions like the dengue vaccine. Working together to establish balanced trust and long-term commitment to new ways of bringing innovation to people is critical to unlocking innovative business models’ fullest potential for improving public health worldwide.

Dengvaxia is the first vaccine licensed for the prevention of dengue in the world. The vaccine is produced in a dedicated production site in France with planned full-scale production capacity of 100 million vaccine doses annually. 

Additional information about Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue vaccine is available on the web at www.dengue.info. 

The Medical City presents the winners of “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate" poster-making contest on good nutrition

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L-R: 3rd place Jason Oliver Bacas from Lourdes School, 1st Isabella R. Hilario from St. Paul College and Patrice Sebastien M. Olaguera, Lourdes School

“TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition” winners were awarded last July 27, 2016 at the TMC Auditorium.

Winners received plaques, gift certificates and gift bags, while a special prize given to the entry with most likes on The Medical City’s Facebook page. The winning designs were used by The Medical City for internal posters and educational materials.

Advocating proper nutrition through arts, the Medical City raises awareness on proper nutrition through a poster making contest dubbed as "TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate."

The Medical City Nutrition Management Services, together with the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, have taken heed of this concern by launching a poster-making contest dubbed “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition.” 

This project is also in line with the “Pinggang Pinoy” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) in celebration of the National Nutrition Month 2016. The contest was opened to all Grade 5 students and each school sent their five best entries. A total of 25 posters have already been entered into the competition. 

“We are glad of the turnout and the number of entries that we received, which means more and more people are now realizing the fact and the dangers of unhealthy eating, especially among kids. We are happy as well that people responded to this contest, which is aligned with the DOH’s National Nutrition Month campaign and serves as a vital part of the hospital’s advocacy on healthy eating that should start at an early age,” declares Dr. Marianna Sy-Quia Sioson, Head of the Nutrition Management Department of The Medical City.

The impact of good nutrition early in life can reach far into the future.

The right nutrition in the first 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday builds the foundation for the child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive.

However, recent surveys showed a significant rise in malnutrition among Filipino children, making the situation truly alarming. Without a doubt, undernutrition still exists and remains a national priority but pediatric overweight and obesity have both become a growing concern among medical practitioners and should be of importance to mothers and would-be mothers.

The Medical City (TMC) is a world-class hospital healthcare organization with 48 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. With its main facility located along Ortigas Avenue, TMC boasts of experienced and esteemed medical experts of various fields with modern facilities that offer the highest standard of healthcare quality as accredited by the Joint Commission International, a prestigious accrediting body for international healthcare organizations.

'King of Talk' and advocate, Boy Abunda talks about total Colon Management; Endorses Tocoma

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Media launch of Tocoma ( colon cleanser supplement) held at the Luxent Hotel, June 23, 2016.

Well known as the "King of Talk" in local show business, Boy Abunda, a television host, publicist, talent manager, celebrity endorser is also an advocate.

Boy Abunda is involved in a project that he feels very strongly about. It is not just a public health issue that affects many Filipinos, but touches directly on the lives of two persons whom he admires deeply. 

The initiative has something to do with helping people become more aware of the dangers of Colon Cancer, the same ailment that both President Corazon C. Aquino and Pope John Paul II battled for a long time. 

This form of cancer, which is also known as colorectal cancer, and is among the top five cancers in the country for both sexes. This is according to the Department of Health and Global estimates even reach as high as 1.4 million new cases every year, of which 50 percent may develop into advanced stages. 

In a health bulletin, the DOH says that "the disease’s signs and symptoms include constipation, or intermittent constipation and diarrhea, difficult bowel movement or change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, nausea or vomiting, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and gas pains or cramps. Rectal bleeding or anemia may also occur in persons over 50 years old."

Boy Abunda 

But despite all the warnings, what is truly concerning from a public health stand point is the almost complete lack of awareness by many Filipinos about the easy steps that can be taken to help prevent this disease.

According to health experts, colon cancer can be avoided by the simple expedient of having a fiber-rich diet of fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activities on a regular basis, and keeping the consumption of red meat in moderation. Smoking and too much alcohol should also be avoided.

To help spread awareness of the dangers of colon cancer, Boy agreed to be the brand ambassador for Total Colon Management, or Tocoma, a fiber-rich herbal supplement from Malaysian health firm, Healol Pharmaceuticals. 

Because colon cancer attacks the intestines, keeping them clean through regular bowel movement is essential. Tocoma provides the necessary fiber and other essential nutrients in our diet, making this easier for our bodies to perform. 

Part of Boy's role with Tocoma is that he will be touring the country to talk about the health risks of colon cancer and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Together, they hope to educate Filipinos on how they can better take care of themselves.