World Immunization Week Health Connect Forum highlights multi-sectoral best practices for vaccination

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The Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Pasay City Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Senior Citizens’ Partylist came together to showcase how every sector is able to contribute to improving vaccination coverage during this year’s World Immunization Week Health Connect Forum.

Health Connect Forum- Each Sector's Role in the Big Catch-up

The forum, organized by the the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association (PHAP), and  Sanofi Pasteur Inc., focused on “Each Sector’s Role in the Big Catch-up” to ensure the protection of people of all ages against vaccine preventable diseases.

 “The time is now to build everything to give vaccines to those who need it most. The children and the elderly who are still unaware of vaccines, are at highest risk of dying.” said PFV Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo. PMA President Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag added, “Vulnerable populations also include the 14-17M indigenous peoples whose health concerns we should also address. Physicians at the PMA will join hands with the government to address gaps in implementation.”

 The DOH noted that the Philippines ranked fourth in the world with the highest number of zero-dose children, which is why their priority is catch-up immunization for children who missed out on their schedules the past few years. They emphasized that this would only be successful through collaborative efforts. “Vaccination is a whole-of-nation approach. That is why we need everyone's help in order for us to catch-up and improve our vaccine coverage." said DOH National Immunization Program Manager Dr. Janis Macazo.

Meanwhile, DILG Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez noted that learnings from the COVID vaccination program can be used for all vaccination programs. “We developed the LGU guide for rehabilitation and recovery for COVID-19 to serve as an operational manual for similar situations,” she said.

This was echoed by Pasay City Health Officer Dr. Mercedes Noble, who coordinates the city’s National Immunization Program. “Our partners are very supportive in using their venues for mass vaccination programs. Our very dedicated barangay health center staff go beyond their office hours and even weekends, so no child will be left behind.”

DSWD Director for Policy Development and Planning Bureau Rhodora Alday further shared how their programs are designed to address all of the social economic dimension which includes access to health services.

Director Alday said that the 4P’s program (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) helped incentivize beneficiaries for vaccination. “We are targeting around 700,000 households that have children below 18 years old to be enrolled in the program. Hopefully DSWD will help increase the immunization campaign through this program. Moreover, with a strong partnership that we have at the LGU we can design convergence programs to help free immunization available to people,” said Dir. Alday.

The forum also highlighted that catch-up immunization should not be limited to routine childhood vaccines. Atty. Charles de Belen from the Senior Citizens’ Partylist talked about ensuring our elderly loved ones are also fully protected from infectious diseases such as the flu. “Through our legislative agenda and initiatives, we try to expand the availability of immunizations that are inaccessible to senior citizens,” he said. Partylist Representative Congressman Ordanes’ HB 2097 recently passed the first reading in Congress.

“We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases for people of all ages. In this age and time, no one should die from vaccine preventable diseases,” said Mr. Teodoro B. Padilla, PHAP Executive Director Mr. Teodoro Padilla. With PHAP bringing together these stakeholders, both public and private sectors have shown strong support for continued vaccination efforts this World Immunization Week.

The media forum, moderated by journalist and health advocate Jing Castañeda, can be viewed on the Facebook pages of PMA, PFV and PHAP.

Chit chat and Sweet Treats! Sanofi's Sweet Talk Your Way Out of Diabetes

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The Sweet Talk Your Way Out of Diabetes media get-together was a sweet end to the month-long World Diabetes Day Celebration of Sanofi Philippines. In the words of Sanofi’s Country Lead Dr. Amal Makhloufi, “we put the spotlight on what is being done to create awareness and provide solutions for those affected by this lifestyle disease.”

For the organization, the event was created to amplify their Panata in cultivating a healthier Philippines for all. It was a friendly and casual approach on how they can bring important topics such as diabetes care into the spotlight without instilling fear among the audience.

“Our goal is to make it easier for every Filipino to seek access to quality innovative care. It is our mission to just go beyond medicines, but to look and explore holistic care and management especially for our patients with chronic conditions like diabetes,” Dr. Makhloufi shared during her opening remarks.

The said event was well attended by press and bloggers, alongside the general public who were able to join the live via Step Up for Diabetes, Philippine Diabetes Support, and Sabrina’s Kitchen Facebook Pages. Both audiences were able to get a handful of information about how to do grocery shopping for diabetics and how to mindfully create a healthy routine for everyone in the household. Several industry icons and experts were also present to add value to the event.

Bianca Dualan of Sakro and Tonyo Silva of Gising Gising PH were generous enough to answer curious questions from the attendees and share their knowledge on how to create a healthy grocery shopping habit. They also talked about the role of their Panata Box and how it provides attainable access to lifestyle diseases care and management.

The Panata Box is Gising Gising’s newest addition, hinging from Sanofi’s Panata, which contains high fiber, low glycemic index/glycemic load fruits and vegetables that help in diabetes management.

For every Panata Box sold, Gising Gising PH shall also share a box to patients from the Philippine Diabetes Support. The Philippine Diabetes Support is an organization that helps spread awareness on this lifestyle disease.

For diabetic patients, community support is as crucial as the treatment itself. Cynthia Yu Duntz of Philippine Diabetes Support remarked how important it is to create a spirit of companionship and empathy among patients dealing with the same situation.

The event wouldn’t be complete without a special recipe demonstration. Former Bb. Pilipinas-International and now a chef, Sabrina Artadi shared a mouthwatering recipe for her Mango Pineapple Yogurt treat that can definitely be enjoyed even by diabetic patients.

A longer Instagram Live on Sanofi PH’s official Instagram page will happen on December 1, Wednesday, featuring more of Chef Sabrina’s recipes and techniques on how to enjoy a gastronomic experience without the guilt.

“It is our Panata here in the PH to improve the management of this disease because [once again, remember] it's not the end of life, it's the beginning of change to empower people to [a] better life, live their life.” Dr. Amal Makhloufi shared during her Q&A portion.

For more information on Sanofi PH’s programs and campaigns on lifestyle diseases management, visit the official website and verified Instagram and LinkedIn pages.

 

SANOFI JOINS THE WORLD IN CELEBRATING WORLD HEART DAY BY ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF THE TIMES

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● CELEBRATES WORLD HEART DAY BY HIGHLIGHTING THE EMPOWER PROGRAM FOR HYPERTENSION

September 29 is World Heart Day all around the globe.

More than just a celebration, World Heart Day was established in the hopes that it could reach more people and be able to spread awareness about the perils of heart diseases and stroke.

Sanofi recognizes that this is a unique time to be worried about heart health and learn more about the steps that should be taken to ensure risk-free living, especially under a cloud of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s heartbreaking to see those with comorbidities battle a critical to severe form of the virus- forcing them to put their lives on hold, be isolated from family, friends and people who matters most to them,” Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, the Philippines Country Lead for Sanofi, shared in her opening remarks.

Statistics have shown that 7 out of 10 people are diagnosed with hypertension, and 2 out of 10 hypertension patients die. Sanofi continues to respond to the challenge of dealing with comorbidities during this time, by emphasizing the need to address the lack of awareness and limited access to cardiovascular disease management.

“Cardiovascular Disease remains the number 1 killer in the world, resulting in about 18.6 Million deaths worldwide and over 520 million people globally living with cardiovascular disease that has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” she remarked.

Sanofi’s mission has led them to create the Empower Hypertension Program, which aims to deliver awareness, prevention, and management to patients. The program provides enlisted patients with free coaching sessions led by nurse educators to arm them with information that tackles myths and facts about the disease, among others.

Sanofi has also partnered with Omron, a leading medical electronics company, to extend a 20% to 25% discount to patients, encouraging them to procure the technology in order to monitor their blood pressure regularly.

Sanofi remains committed to its mission to promote hypertension management at the early stages and to inspire individuals to take control of their own health.

To learn more about the program, visit www.sanofi.ph or thru their Instagram account @sanofi.ph.

Sanofi collaborates with leading drugstores for prescription medicine delivery

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The pandemic has made it difficult for people to move around to acquire basic necessities such as food and medicines, not just because of lockdowns, but because of running a higher risk in catching COVID-19 especially in high foot traffic places such as restaurants, groceries, or pharmacies. It is this predicament that Sanofi tries to remedy in their newest collaborations.

Dedicated to improving access to healthcare, Sanofi has collaborated with Watsons, Southstar Drug, and Rose Pharmacy to offer an easier way for patients to take better care of their health. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and other lifestyle diseases may now order their prescription medicines either online or via phone, and have them delivered straight to their doors or pick up at their preferred branch sans the waiting. The collaborations started in May 2021, and are continuing to activate even more pharmacies in order to reach more patients.

Keeping in mind the pandemic and the health and safety protocols that we have to follow to ensure our well-being, Sanofi’s collaboration with these pharmacies fills the current need and demand for insulin and other medicines that require proper cold chain management. Their respective delivery services ensure that medicines like Insulin are properly handled to maintain their efficacy. With just a call or a click, patients and their caregivers can easily order medicines and are no longer forced to step out of the house and run the risk of exposing themselves to the virus.

In order to ensure that insulins and other medicines are properly handled and delivered, Sanofi has provided their expertise on cold chain management and has standardized the handling of these medicines throughout different branches of the pharmacies located strategically in key cities all over the country. Anyone with a valid prescription can avail the e-pharmacy services, especially for prescription medicines. Pharmacies have systems in place on how they will validate the purchase of these products in the e-pharmacy channel as required by law.

In a bigger effort to improve healthcare, most critical in these times, these collaborations are not exclusive to Sanofi medicines but include other medicines that need proper cold chain storage handling in order to reach the patients. As a global healthcare leader, this is a bold initiative of Sanofi that patients will be able to obtain insulin in the most convenient way.

Sanofi’s newest Second Generation Insulin is also made available through this channel. Compared to the first-generation insulin, the newer insulin is recorded to have improved effects on patients’ blood sugar, as well as a lower risk for abnormally low levels of blood sugar. It has also been innovated to have a more gradual drug release and therefore less painful when injected.

“Innovative medicines are crucial in moving us forward, to keep us looking for ways to make treatments better for our patients. We continue to create these innovative solutions to meet the needs of our patients. We always endeavor to improve patient access to proper treatment and education, and with these collaborations, we’re ensuring that patients with diabetes from all over the country have access to innovative medicine,” says Dr. Amal Makhloufi, country lead for Sanofi Philippines.

As patient needs continue to change, Sanofi adapts to the times and continues to innovate solutions to provide the utmost care for patients. These collaborations are part of that continuous effort to build a healthier Philippines by creating newer and better ways for them to access the best healthcare possible.

In line with their dedication to be the best healthcare journey partner to Filipinos, Sanofi also launched the Empower Program, where continuous care and coaching is provided to patients by doctors and diabetes educators. They are also working with Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) to promote a more holistic approach to patient care by properly educating patients on their disease, empowering patients to create informed decisions about their care, making them more confident in managing their conditions. KiDS (Kids and Diabetes in Schools) and Youth Health Patrol were also launched with support from the Department of Education, University of Asia and the Pacific, and APB Foundation, aiming to educate the youth about the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle.

For more information, visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/call-and-delivery-list-of-stores

https://southstardrug.com.ph/collections, https://www.rosepharmacy.com/

About Sanofi Philippines

Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions. With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.

About Watsons

Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer, and the largest in the world, with over 16,000 stores.Their promise to customers – Look good, feel great – by going extra mile, by bringing smiles to people’s faces, and by providing the best of health, wellbeing, beauty and personal care in the stores and online.

About Southstar Drug

Southstar Drug is owned and run by Robinson’s Retail Holdings, Inc. and belongs to the top 1000 corporations in the country. It has expanded its reach to Southern Luzon, Northern Luzon, Visayas region, along with the islands of Mindoro, Masbate, and Virac. They have over 500 branches nationwide.

About Rose Pharmacy

Rose Pharmacy joined forces with Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), the second largest retailer in the country, in October 2020. They offer a competitive health and beauty shopping experience to customers. They have recently expanded their services to cater to customers in the comfort of their homes with RosExpress Delivery, as well as a nationwide delivery for their medicines through an online service.

Don’t Eat Your Heart Out: Understanding the ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’

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This year, we have been faced with an unprecedented pandemic which has taught us never to take our health for granted. But as we near its end and gear up for the holidays, there are still plenty of things to watch out for when it comes to our health. 

“That is because while the holidays are a time for merriment and indulgence, it has also been linked to a high incidence of heart attacks, stroke, and rising blood pressure, leading to the phenomenon called ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome,” said Dr. Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, The Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. [1][2]

But what is it about the most joyous time of the year that causes this unfortunate spike in cardiovascular-related health concerns and how do we avoid it? 

Overindulging 

“During the holiday season, many of us tend to overindulge or consume food excessively. Unfortunately, a significant amount of these may be high in sodium content,” Amal forewarns. 

Why is this a problem? For some people, eating too much salty food may cause their blood pressure to rise. However, this shouldn’t deter you from indulging during the holidays, but just learning to be mindful of what you eat and avoiding excess salt can help minimize the risk for heart problems. 

Frequent binge-drinking 

With holiday get-togethers come frequent social drinking. Just like the overindulgence of food, the festive season is often marked by the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. 

“The danger of binge-drinking as frequently as we do during the holidays is that it can lead to atrial fibrillation which is characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm that may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure,” she warns. 

Festive fatigue 

The holidays bring with it added excitement and fatigue. For some, this can mean going from one party to another, night after night, until the wee hours of the day, leading to very little sleep which adds extra stress on their hearts. Combined with binge-drinking and overindulging, and one can be very susceptible to an unhealthy mix of triggering factors. “That is why moderation is key, especially when it comes to indulging in salty foods, alcoholic beverages, or knowing when to call it a night,” the Sanofi country lead explains. 

Know the risks 

Going into the holidays, it is definitely crucial to be aware of any potential risk factors or pre-existing conditions that can affect your health. If you are currently overweight and/or a heavy smoker or have a history with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease then you or your family may be at a higher risk of experiencing heart problems, so it is best to be mindful of your health and keep watch of your holiday activities. 

When should you get help 

In the event that you start feeling symptoms such as chest pains, you should already start calling for help. Don’t forgo treatment just because you don’t want to spoil the holiday mood. It’s always better to be on the safe side when it comes to your health. 

“The greatest gift that you can give to your family is the gift of health so we must encourage everyone to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” Amal intimated. “This is why we continue to educate Filipino families to have a better understanding of the disease, beyond the medicine, to empower every single person for self-monitoring and the improvement of their lifestyle. This is our commitment to building a healthier Philippines." 

[1] https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/316938/beware-of-the-holiday-heart-syndrome/

[2] https://www.webmd.com/heart/features/the-truth-behind-more-holiday-heart-attacks#3

A deep dive on Thrombosis: When does it become a cause for concern?

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If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that we should never take our health for granted. From chronic diseases to other potential underlying health conditions, taking care of ourselves in a holistic manner goes a long way to maintaining our overall health and wellbeing.

To raise awareness on health and medical concerns that may arise amid the quarantine, Sanofi Philippines partnered with The Asian Parent to launch FamHealthy, a webinar series that aims to educate Filipino families when it comes to health matters.

In observance of World Thrombosis Day, FamHealthy hosted a special episode featuring the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine to tackle ​blood clots or thromboses​, ​a health condition that may go undetected and one that can lead to complications or as a symptom of another disease or ailment.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1249597578724191

 

What is Thrombosis?

According to Famhealthy host, Dr. Geraldine Zamora, Thrombosis is often characterized by the formation of clots inside one’s blood vessels. It may go undetected and lead to complications that can contribute to life-threatening medical conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.

Moreover, blood clots have also been observed among COVID-19 patients, and causing severe complications for persons with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

FamHealthy guest speaker, Dr. Paolo Nocom of the Philippine Heart Center and a fellow of the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine, touched on the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis, which is commonly observed as swelling or dark discolorations in the thighs and lower legs. He warns that if left untreated, the clotting may spread to the lungs in what is known as pulmonary embolism.

“Developing both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a sign of a severe form of blood clotting known as venous thromboembolism (or VTE),” Nocom adds.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

Thrombosis or blood clotting may affect different parts of the body, however it is advised that you seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

●       Redness or swelling in the foot, ankle, or leg.

●       Pain or tenderness around the calf area.

●       Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.

●       Chest pains or Rapid heart rate.

●       Light-headedness.

●       Coughing up blood.

 

How do we prevent or manage it?

●       Get moving. Life under quarantine may be conducive to a sedentary lifestyle but this inactivity may lead to blood clots forming. That’s why you should always get moving or simply avoid sitting down for long periods of time.

●       Stay hydrated. Dehydration may cause your blood to thicken and form clots. To help prevent this, always keep yourself hydrated.

●       Consider investing in compression stockings. As Dr. Nocom explains, compression stockings help to improve circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. Ensure that you have the appropriate size for your leg.

Sanofi pledges to take good care our family through WeHealth program

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Family's health matters the most. The health of one family member can influence the health and well being of other individuals within the family and the family as a whole.

We all feel that caring for Diabetes and Chronic Diseases takes a whole community, a village, it’s a family affair where no one should be left behind. 

Last year, I was in my check-up, (regular, once every 2 months) because I have problems with my heart. But my husband felt something was wrong, he said he might have just an upset stomach, but I pushed him to have a check-up, even with my doctor. After the check-up and a few lab tests, he was diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure.

Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes and heart problems does not have to derail one’s life and marriage. Communicating regularly about diabetic care, expressing support and affection, solving problems together, and seeking external support can increase the odds of successfully managing heart problems, diabetes, and protecting the family for a lifelong.

Life partners, husband and wife, and with children, must set goals and solve problems together. Maintaining lifestyle changes is a lot of effort. We set up new diet and exercise habits. It helps us maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Good health should also include some daily physical activity, proper rest and sleep, personal hygiene, cleanliness, fresh air, water, etc. When it comes to eating, we should eat balanced meals every day, including fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. 

The more risk factors you have, the more you should be concerned about anything that might be heart-related. Everyone can agree that communication is the key in any relationship.

This is why Sanofi, our trusted health partner in chronic diseases, puts to heart a lifetime commitment to every Filipino family. As a healthcare institution with a solid background and track record related to Diabetes care, Sanofi continues to be a loud voice in advocating programs to improve the state of Diabetes in the Philippines.

And to build a healthier Philippines, Sanofi Philippines has been aiming to bridge the gaps that many Filipino families face when it comes to accessing consultation and treatment by launching an e-health ecosystem called WeHealth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rtVtTWOgyw&feature=emb_title

WeHealth is a convenient option to secure medical advice, treatment or medical access especially to those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension through holistic solutions and innovations. With WeHealth, you can get medical consultations anytime or have your medicines delivered straight to your home since they’ve partnered with SeriousMD, AIDE, KonsultaMD, HealthNow and Medifi along with Watson’s and SouthStar Drug as our pharmacy chain partners.

It is very important to be aware of your health and visit your family doctor for regular check-ups and in the present situation, we have connections to doctors online. We should never forget that the real wealth in life comes from our health. It is true for all the Health is wealth.

Truly that in this fight, we are one Family and we will move together for a healthier Philippines. Pagmamahal sa kapwa. Pag-alaga sa bawat isa. Panata ng pagkalinga at malasakit ng isang pamilya!

We always need to have - love and care for our family - #PanataNgPamilya, #PanatangSanofi 

For more info and updates, visit https://www.sanofi.ph/en/healthier-philippines/wehealth

Sanofi launches campaign to bridge gaps in Caring for Patients with chronic diseases

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Health talks, a virtual session with a theme “Healthier/PH Sessions: Continuity of Care for a Healthier Philippines,” was held recently.

In its effort to build a healthier Philippines, Sanofi Philippines turned towards empowering mothers and spotlighting their critical role in managing their family’s health. The global pharmaceutical company recently launched their new campaign entitled Panatang Sanofi with the Pinay matriarchs at the heart of their advocacy.

“The mother is the cornerstone of the Filipino family. She is caring and selfless when it comes to attending to her family’s health,” said Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. “This is the kind of lifetime commitment we strive for in Sanofi as we build a healthier Philippines. There is no greater embodiment to our panata than our beloved mothers.”

Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. 

Makhloufi was one of two speakers during the recently concluded online discussions entitled “Healthier/PH Sessions: Continuity of Care for a Healthier Philippines,” where she exchanged thoughtful dialogues and shared insights in front of an audience consisting of moms.

Niña Corpuz.

“As moms, we cannot afford to be sick or else who will take care of the family?” exclaimed Broadcast Journalist and the event’s moderator, Niña Corpuz. 

“A lot of us have to really be more proactive. It's really better to be informed and to be educated about potential health concerns so that we know that what we're doing is the best thing for our family.”

In response to the disruption that the pandemic has caused across the country’s healthcare system as well as a growing fear and apprehension towards seeking medical consultation for risk of contracting the virus, the Company has initiated programs in order to deliver better care.

The Company has reinforced its Empower Program—a program for patients with diabetes; as well as launching WeHealth, a program that aims to connect patients with doctors, at any time and place.

“What the Empower Program ensures, especially during this pandemic, is the continuity of care for persons with diabetes,” Makhloufi explained. “They will be provided with holistic care and linked to the appropriate healthcare experts who will stay in constant touch and even do weekly check-ins with the patient.”

Speaking on the recently launched WeHealth, the Sanofi Executive explained that the program is a proofpoint for the company’s unwavering commitment and panata to ensuring that families have access to the proper care they deserve.

“WeHealth is an e-Health Ecosystem that aims to connect Filipinos with their doctors or health service providers from the safety of your own home and this can be crucial during the pandemic because you’re eliminating the risk of exposure,” Makhloufi intimated. 

“Even before the pandemic, Sanofi Philippines has been aiming to bridge the gaps that many Filipino families face when it comes to accessing consultation and treatment,” the Country Lead shared.

“This is where we want to play a role and it’s part of our mission to build a healthier Philippines.”

Join the "Be a Wall" campaign : Vaccination drive against dengue #WallAgainstDengue

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The “Be a Wall” campaign  and Vaccination drive against dengue, launch by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine division of multinational pharmaceutical company and industry leader, Sanofi. 

Dengue remains to be one of the fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases in the world.

The “Be a Wall” campaign to mobilize the citizenry in a nation-wide campaign against the spread of dengue was launched  aims to build awareness among Filipinos parents and inform them how they can better protect themselves and their loved ones against the fastest-growing mosquito borne disease. 

It also aims to educate them about the multi-pronged ways to prevent dengue infection – vector-control, disease information and vaccination.

The Be a Wall campaign engage Filipinos by inviting them to connect, share their experience, ask questions, and join a community that’s building the nation’s resistance against dengue. 

It aims to remind them of their role to step up the fight against the disease and to get involved by taking an active part in health matters that affect them and their families. 

Dengvaxia is the world’s first dengue vaccine. It provides protection against all four virus serotypes. It has been approved for people belonging to the age group 9-45 years.

Celebrities, doctors and medical people, media and bloggers and advocates were at the "Be a Wall" campaign launch held at the Novotel Hotel, Araneta, Cubao Quezon City on October 25, 2016. 

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Christine Bersola-Babao, Paolo Abrera, Mommy Mel and her daughter Rika with Dr. Rubi Dizon who is the Medical Director of Sanofi and Dr. Lulu Bravo President of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, stand out to to build a wall against Dengue.

Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Multi-awarded Actress, Columnist, Award-winning Author and Triathlete, share her experience on dengue as she had twice. The first was when she was six years old and the second time when she was already married.

“As responsible Filipino moms, let our voices be heard to raise awareness on dengue and let’s spread the good news that it is now a vaccine preventable disease. Each of us can now be a wall against dengue,” Maricel said.

Paolo Abrera, sports and public affairs host, share his own story as when he got the virus, he was down and out for a number of days and this surprised him as it hit him at the peak of his health when he was so active in sports.

“It’s great news that there is a dengue vaccine now available in the market. As a public affairs anchor, I’m on top of the news everyday and it’s very alarming to note the rising dengue cases from different regions of our country. It’s definitely a relief for Filipino parents out there especially a father like me to be able to visit our doctors today and have our kids vaccinated,” Paulo said.

Christine Bersola-Babao, Celebrity mom,  shared she had dengue three times! She also expresses her support for the dengue vaccine.

“I am a mother of two and I want my kids (family) to be safe from life-threatening diseases like dengue. Aside from the vector control measures that we have been doing, we really need a new tool that will help us in fighting the epidemic and vaccination is the answer. I encourage other Filipino moms to ask their doctors about dengue vaccination today,” she shared.

The Philippines ranks among the top-three countries affected by Dengue.

Cebu City, for example, has just declared a state of calamity with over 5,821 dengue cases recorded as of October 2016. Other areas considered as the most infected hotspots include Metro Manila or NCR, Region IV-A or CALABARZON, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Central Luzon, and Western Visayas.

Join “Be a Wall” campaign for the health of our families and love ones and all. Get vaccinated too.  Visit your doctor to know what you can do so we can all be a #WallAgainstDengue.

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.