On the 2nd day (17th June) of ADS 2025, the Asia Dengue Policy Working Group (ADPWG) hosted an engaging fireside chat titled “One Nation, Many Islands – Policy Making in the Philippines.” The session was moderated by Dafydd Green, of the ADPWG, and featured two distinguished experts:
Dr Enrique Tayag started by providing historical and on-the-ground insights into dengue policy in the Philippines. He recounted the origins of the “4S” vector control strategy—Search for mosquito breeding sites, Self-protection measures, Say no to indiscriminate fogging, and Seek early consultation—and emphasised its localisation and adaptability across the Philippines’ diverse cultural and geographic contexts. Dr Tayag also addressed vaccine hesitancy following the Dengvaxia controversy in the Philippines, urging a shift toward transparent communication and cultural sensitivity. He highlighted how trusted community figures, such as religious and community leaders, play a crucial role in building vaccine confidence, and noted that misinformation, cultural dynamics, and decentralisation all shape implementation success.
Professor Tikki Pangestu offered a global and systems-level perspective, asserting that while public health policy must be rooted in evidence, it is often shaped by political, economic, and cultural realities. Reflecting on past vaccine crises, he emphasised the need for scientific and health literacy to counter misinformation, and commended the role of social capital and trust in successful public health responses, as seen in Singapore’s COVID-19 strategy.
Professor Pangestu also called for regional leadership—including through ASEAN—to address dengue challenges in a more inclusive and equitable way. He also urged faster uptake of promising technologies such as Wolbachia, and highlighted the importance of coordinated leadership across ministries to bridge gaps between the health and environment sectors.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed speakers for sharing their expertise and insights, and to all participants for their thoughtful engagement.
You can view the Fireside Chat recording below.
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Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA) is a scientific working group dedicated to dengue vaccine advocacy in Asia, with the aim of disseminating information and making recommendations on dengue vaccine introduction strategies in Asia.
Vista Health, a global value-based healthcare agency, offers strategic consulting and tech-enabled solutions across all sectors of healthcare. As the Strategy & Operations Partner, it leads the strategic direction and vision, and undertakes critical activities and administration related to the Asia Dengue Policy Working Group.