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Beyond fogging: Fight dengue year-round

The fight against dengue requires a combination of proven interventions rather than reliance on a single solution.

Yuko Shimomura · Jun 28, 2026, 9:27 PM

DELAY costs lives Anti-dengue warrior Dr. Eric Tayag called on the government to make fiscal room for the battle against the disease. ‘If the vaccine is not included in the 2027 budget, even if the Food and Drug Administraion approves it, implementation could be delayed by one to two years and that delay will be costly in terms of the country’s dengue burden.’ — Photograph courtesy of Health Alliance PH

As dengue continues to threaten communities across the Philippines, former Department of Health (DoH) Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag is urging the country to embrace science-driven solutions while strengthening public awareness and early intervention.

Speaking on DAILY TRIBUNE’s Straight Talk, Dr. Tayag, now a leading advocate of the End Dengue Coalition, said the fight against dengue requires a combination of proven interventions rather than reliance on a single solution.

“Not one intervention is capable of bringing down dengue cases. Everything complements each other in our fight against dengue,” he said.

Fresh from attending the Asian Dengue Summit in Singapore, where more than 600 researchers, clinicians, and public health experts gathered, Tayag shared the latest advances in dengue prevention, including vaccines and the innovative use of Wolbachia bacteria.

According to Dr. Tayag, Singapore has significantly reduced mosquito populations by releasing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium that renders them sterile.

“The Philippines will venture into introducing the same Wolbachia intervention in several months from now. Hopefully, we achieve the same results that Singapore has seen in reducing mosquito populations,” he said.

DENGUE defenders squad At the 9th Asia Dengue Summit, a regional medical conference held in Singapore from 15 to 17 June, were (from left) Dr. Eric Tayag, Dr. Lulu Bravo, Dr. Rose Capeding and Dr. Erica Tania Davillo Domingo. The disease is a major recurring public health issue in the Philippines. — Photograph courtesy of Rotary Club of Manila

Vaccine approval remains key

Dr. Tayag also renewed his call for the approval of the Takeda dengue vaccine, which has already been introduced in more than 40 countries and pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

While acknowledging public concerns stemming from the Dengvaxia controversy, he expressed confidence that Philippine regulators would rely on scientific evidence.

“I’m confident that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will base its decision on science and not on political pressure or the history of Dengvaxia,” he said.

DOC grooves The Dancing Doctor shows his moves during a campaign against firecrackers. Rather than relying purely on dry clinical advisories, Dr. Eric Tayag would perform or lead dance routines, often in costume, to drive home health messages, things like proper handwashing, dengue prevention, or mosquito control, in a way that would stick with ordinary Filipinos and get picked up by media and social media. — Photograph courtesy of Dr. Eric Tayag/fb

He warned that any further delay could postpone its inclusion in the government’s immunization program for years.

“If the vaccine is not included in the 2027 budget, even if the FDA approves it, implementation could be delayed by one to two years and that delay will be costly in terms of the country’s dengue burden,” Dr. Tayag said.

While acknowledging public concerns stemming from the Dengvaxia controversy, he expressed confidence that Philippine regulators would rely on scientific evidence.

Prevention starts at home

While awaiting newer technologies, Dr. Tayag emphasized that basic preventive measures remain the country’s strongest defense. He reminded Filipinos to regularly inspect flower vases, pails, drums, tires, and even construction materials that can collect rainwater.

“We become reactive only when someone in the family dies from dengue or when a celebrity gets infected. By then, it’s already too late,” he said.

Dr. Tayag also cautioned against indiscriminate fogging, saying it should only be conducted under proper supervision.

“Fogging is not wrong, but doing it properly is the key. Otherwise, it’s very costly and resources are wasted,” he said.

Zero dengue deaths by 2030

Despite the challenges, Dr. Tayag believes eliminating dengue deaths is an achievable goal through coordinated efforts among government agencies, healthcare workers, communities and families.

“The Philippine Medical Association’s End Dengue Coalition has set a target of zero dengue deaths by 2030,” he said. “It will take time because we have to strengthen our systems, train doctors, and ensure that families have the right information to seek treatment early.”

He stressed that recognizing warning signs and seeking immediate medical attention remain critical, particularly when a patient’s fever begins to subside.

For Dr. Tayag, the country’s success against dengue ultimately depends not only on scientific breakthroughs but also on sustained public participation.

“We should develop sustainable habits in preventing dengue all year round, not only when outbreaks make headlines,” he said.