DOH to Acquire Smallpox Vaccines to Combat Mpox Threat in the Philippines

Philippines Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo revealed that the Department of Health (DOH) has signified its intent to the WHO, signalling the country’s readiness to receive the vaccines.

“The DOH has signified intent to the World Health Organization (WHO) that once global strategy shifts and distribution of (smallpox) vaccines starts, the Philippines will raise its hand to show that we are ready (to accept it),” Domingo stated.

This measure is due to scientific findings that have demonstrated the efficacy of smallpox vaccines in providing cross-protection against mpox. This is possible due to the close relation between the two viruses.

Vaccine Distribution and Storage Preparedness

The DOH is also preparing for the arrival of the smallpox vaccines by leveraging the chain and supply chain facilities utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities, which were critical in the distribution and storage of COVID-19 vaccines, will be repurposed to store and distribute the smallpox vaccines effectively.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa (Image: Manila Standard)

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has reassured the public that the government is taking proactive measures to combat the mpox virus. Herbosa noted that mpox is a viral illness that typically resolves on its own, similar to dengue fever.

“Mpox is a viral illness that is self-limiting like dengue. You will recover over a period of time. If you are healthy, you will recover without problem,” Herbosa said.

The Current Mpox Situation in the Philippines

The resurgence of mpox cases in the Philippines is a growing concern. As of September 16th, Philippines has seen a total of 27 mpox cases since July 2022. Of these, 18 cases have been reported since August 2024 alone. Five of the recent 18 cases have since recovered. Notably, the Ministry of Health has not been able to establish any epidemiological links between all 18 of the latest cases.

The WHO has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time, highlighting the global significance of the outbreak.

Mpox symptoms include skin rashes or mucosal lesions, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus is primarily transmitted through close or intimate contact with an infected person or through contaminated objects.

Calls for Preventive Measures in Schools

In response to the mpox scare, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on school authorities to implement stringent health and safety measures. These include regular handwashing and the disinfection of classrooms and other communal spaces.

Gatchalian also advocates for the passage of Senate Bill 1869, the Philippine Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Act. This bill aims to establish a technical authority for the prevention and control of diseases of public health importance.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that children and adolescents are at low risk of contracting mpox. However, Gatchalian stressed the need for schools to raise awareness and promote safety measures.

“We must continue to promote measures to maintain cleanliness and safety in our schools and throughout the country. The first case of mpox this year proved not to have left the country and that means the virus is here,” he said.

Government Efforts to Contain Mpox

Local government units (LGUs) are collaborating with the DOH to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. confirmed that health advisories are being disseminated to LGUs to enhance community awareness and preparedness.

Quirino Governor Dakila Cua highlighted that LGUs’ experience in managing the COVID-19 pandemic has equipped them to tackle the mpox threat effectively.

This experience, coupled with the government’s proactive measures, is expected to bolster the country’s defence against the virus.

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