GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (GSKCH) has joined forces with other organizations in the Philippines including the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPHA), Mercury Drug Corporation, SmartParenting.com.ph and CNN Philippines in a united effort to support the nation to defeat dengue.
Allied Against Dengue (AAD) was created as a non-profit open platform with the aim to empower healthcare providers, organizations and communities; and reduce the impact of dengue on the nation in a holistic manner from prevention and control to management.
Dengue is the fastest-growing vector-borne infection in the world and Southeast Asia is the epicenter of dengue mosquito breeding due to its tropical climate. In the Philippines, the disease outbreak has spread to more areas and impacted more lives.
Dengue fever cases rose significantly by 60 per cent to 200,415 in 2015 from 121,000 in 2014.1 This year, the incidence rate even shot higher with cases escalating 33 per cent in the first quarter compared to the same quarter last year.2
Heather Pelier, General Manager of GSK Consumer Healthcare said, "Dengue is rife in the Philippines and unless we join forces, the disease will become the fastest spreading health threat in the country."
"GSK was motivated to initiate Allied Against Dengue as we were concerned of the escalating hazard and effects of dengue on the nation including our employees and their families who have experienced the dreaded disease. Allied Against Dengue is the catalyst to this with the ultimate goal to reduce the impact of dengue burden on Filipinos." she adds.
The movement aims to lead change and create bigger impact to society through collaborative partnerships with the DOH, private institutions, healthcare providers, media influencers, and community leaders. GSK together with the other coalition partners activate the ambitious roadmap that the Movement has set out to achieve its goal of reducing the burden of dengue on society through empowerment and education.
More than 1,200 pediatricians and pharmacists will be involved in the public education and awareness of dengue fever management across Philippines. This is aligned to and complements the World Health Organization (WHO) global strategy for prevention and control and DOH's initiatives. Every alliance partner will leverage their core competencies and dedicate energy, funds and resources in the movement to help reduce the incidence rate of and deaths caused by dengue fever.
With the deployment of a robust nationwide education campaign through multiple channels, Allied Against Dengue seeks to curb the incidence growth rate and ultimately, make a real difference to the lives of Filipinos.
The coalition strategy includes the distribution of 50,000 DOH primers to at least 5 public schools in dengue hotspots in Metro Manila. It also includes distributing 15,000 leaflets to 1,000 pediatricians and general practitioners. Plus the education of proper dengue fever prevention and management to 20 health centers for Baranggay outreach programs.
Implementation of Continuous Pharmacy Education (CPE) Program in identified chapters, targeting 200 pharmacists will also be included, as well as the education and recruitment of at least 1000 Allies Against Dengue through employee engagement, online and on ground activations.
To achieve these milestones, Allied Against Dengue is set to roll out a series of initiatives including train-the-trainer programs, organized information centers through the coalition partners' networks, community education activations, and employee volunteers who will be part of and drive the community outreach at dengue hot spots.
For more information on Allied Against Dengue and how to be an ally, contact 1800-14441-0884 / 1800-8908-8275 or at ph.customer-relations@gsk.com.
Join the fight against this deadly fever- causing disease and be a proud Ally against Dengue so that we can do more, feel better and live longer!
