- The dengue vaccination in the Philippines is backed by the World Health Organizati0n
- A WHO official expressed support to PH
- The support came amid the criticisms on the use of the vaccines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the ongoing dengue vaccination in the Philippines; saying that the vaccine is consistent with the organization’s recommendation.
“Based on this analysis of the situation, the expert group has developed a set of recommendations. I would like to highlight three recommendations. First the WHO expert group said the introduction of dengue vaccine can be considered in high transmission settings, meaning where those who are targeted vaccination have been, majority exposed to dengue virus before. The group also said that the vaccine should not be administered to children younger than nine years, and but can be administered nine years and older and should follow vaccination schedule of three doses,” WHO Country Representative Gundo Weiler said, as quoted by Manila Bulletin.
According to Weiler, the expert group emphasized that the vaccine is not going to replace any part of comprehensive strategy but should be introduced within the context of a comprehensive dengue strategy which includes vector control treatment, and care for those who are affected and a strong surveillance system.
He said that the Philippines is doing it just right.
“What does it mean for our situation in the Philippines? Based on what we know, we can say that WHO acknowledges that the dengue vaccination effort that is currently ongoing in the Philippines is consistent with recommendations made by the WHO expert group,” he stated.
Dengue is a disease characterized by sudden onset of high fever which may last from two to seven days, joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes, weakness, skin rashes, nosebleed when fever starts to subside, abdominal pain, vomiting of dark- colored matter, dark-colored stools and difficulty in breathing. Late last week, the WHO released the recommendations on the use of Dengvaxia, the world’s first-ever dengue vaccine.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said the DOH continued with the use of the world’s new vaccine against dengue despite criticism from some doctors and health advocates.
“It was a decision made by DOH officials, DOH experts and other external experts as well. We know there will be hindrances when it comes to implementing programs, especially if it is a good program. We decided to take all the punches because we know that’s part of good governance,” she added.
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