Doctors group pushes to reduce dengue deaths

The Philippine Medical Association (PMA) renewed its call to reduce dengue related deaths as it marked the first anniversary of its Empowering Networks to Defeat Dengue Coalition on 26 February 2026 at Seda Vertis North.

The PMA, established in 1903, said dengue continues to pose a major public health challenge in the Philippines. During the event, the organization noted that the country remains among those with the highest number of dengue cases and deaths in Southeast Asia despite decades of exposure to the disease.

The World Health Organization describes dengue as a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites. The disease can cause severe fever and, in critical cases, death. Global estimates indicate that between 100 million and 400 million people are infected annually, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Dr. Eric Tayag, former director of the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health and a member of the PMA Dengue Advocacy Committee, said dengue typically shows two peak seasons.

“There are two peak seasons of dengue, January to February and July to October,” Tayag said.

He added, however, that dengue related deaths are frequently recorded outside these periods.

“Regardless of these peak seasons, most dengue induced deaths were observed during the month of April,” he said.

Tayag also reported a decline in national dengue figures.

“Cases of dengue in the country had seen a decline of 26 percent from 2024 to 2025, with the instances of death being reduced to 15 percent during the same period,” he said.

He noted that mortality was recorded higher among individuals aged 60 years old and above.

Tayag warned that the circulation of multiple dengue serotypes contributes to recurring infections.

“Ang problema kaya dumami ho yung kaso natin ng 2024 at maging ang 2025, lahat ng serotype nag cicirculate. Ibig sabihin kung nakagat ka, pwedeng maulit yun,” he said.

The National Institutes of Health previously explained that infection with one serotype may grant lifelong immunity to that strain, but a second infection involving a different serotype may lead to serious complications.

Dr. Lulu Bravo, also a member of the committee, raised concerns over clinical management practices.

“Management is still poor, inappropriate many times, doctors are still not so updated with the current situation of dengue, it's a very important disease that we can not understand just like that,” Bravo said.

“It’s because the adequacy of management is not yet there,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Florentina Ty emphasized sustained vector control measures, urging local government units and communities to strengthen environmental interventions.

“Simpleng linis lang po sa kapaligiran, simpleng linis lang po sa bahay…if only everyone will clean,” Ty said.

Ty also cited the need to address what she described as “ningas kugon,” referring to inconsistent community participation in dengue prevention efforts.

The PMA also discussed vaccine related concerns. The organization said the Philippines currently has no widely available Food and Drug Administration approved dengue vaccine.

A vaccine developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Qdenga, remains under regulatory review. The PMA noted that approval has been pending for more than a year despite its use in several countries.

The group linked hesitancy surrounding dengue vaccination to the controversy involving Dengvaxia in 2015. Past reports associated the vaccine with safety concerns, triggering public debate and affecting vaccine confidence.

Despite this, Tayag cited survey data indicating strong public trust in immunization.

“Vaccine confidence remained high in the public at 88 percent while confidence in a dengue vaccine was at 85 percent,” he said.

PMA President Dr. Hector Santos acknowledged uncertainties surrounding vaccine approval timelines.

“We are not confident but we are praying, kasi nga given that its already approved in several countries sana makarating dito,” Santos said.