Philippine Department of Health Launches Nationwide Anti-Dengue Campaign

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Posted on 21 January 2008

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III presided at the launching of a nationwide DOH anti-dengue campaign this morning at the Astoria Hotel in Pasig City. The anti-dengue campaign is aimed at raising the public’s awareness of the threat of dengue and the role of the community and other stakeholders in the prevention of outbreaks. The campaign was launched in advance of the “peak season” for dengue, which usually starts in June with the onset of the rainy season. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to be used in the National Anti-Dengue Campaign were distributed by DOH, followed by a press conference led by the Secretary.

The event was attended by senior officials of DOH, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Liga ng mga Barangay (National League of Barangays), media representatives, ADB, WHO, and the Consultant (PRIMEX). Mr. Thomas Crouch, Deputy Director General of the Southeast Asia Regional Department (SERD), delivered a message on behalf of ADB. He was accompanied at the event by the Project Officer, Ms. Barbara Lochmann, Social Sector Specialist, SESS.

Dengue is an acute infectious tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquitoes and is characterized by high fever, rashes, headache, and severe muscle and joint pain. It is one of the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases in humans and is considered to be a major public health concern in Southeast Asia and other areas in the world where it is endemic. About 2.5 billion people in about 100 countries live in areas where dengue viruses can be transmitted. About 50 million cases of infection are recorded yearly, including 500,000 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and 22,000 deaths, mostly occurring among children. DHF was first recognized in the 1950s during the dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand. At present, emerging DHF cases are causing an increased number of dengue epidemics in Asia and have become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in several countries.

The Anti-Dengue IEC campaign, which officially commenced today, is a component of the dengue prevention program being implemented by DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) with ADB support. The other two components are Training on Clinical Management in Regional and Local Hospitals and Training on Dengue Prevention for LGUs and Non-Health Workers.

ADB funding for these activities is being provided through RETA 6108: Emergency Support for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of SARS, Avian Influenza (AI), and other Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs), which commenced in the Philippines in November 2005 and will end in June 2008. Technical support for TA implementation is being provided by a team of consultants and support staff from PRIMEX Philippines.

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