The Philippine Medical Association (PMA), the nation’s leading organization of medical doctors, is sounding the alarm over the increasing reports of unregistered and counterfeit dengue vaccines being sold through unauthorized channels. At a recent media roundtable held at Seda Vertis North, Dr. Erica Tania Davillo, chair of the PMA Ad Hoc Committee on Dengue Advocacy, cautioned that using these unauthorized vaccines may do more harm than good in the ongoing battle against dengue.
“While we recognize that there is a growing number of Filipinos clamoring for safe and effective ways to protect their families from dengue, we also need to make sure that we only use medical products that have undergone the proper regulatory review process from government authorities,” Dr. Davillo stressed. She also commended the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intensifying its crackdown on fake and unlicensed health products, including vaccines. “We are grateful to the FDA for taking decisive action on halting the illegal sale of unregistered health products, because these pose a real danger to the health of Filipinos,” she added.
The warning comes as the PMA, together with the Empowering Networks to Defeat Dengue (E.N.D. Dengue) Coalition, marks a renewed push to combat dengue in the country. E.N.D. Dengue, organized by the PMA and various healthcare groups, supports the World Health Organization’s goal to end dengue deaths by 2030.
Despite a recent 71% drop in dengue cases reported by the Department of Health (DoH)—from 25,652 cases in January 2025 to 7,471 in January 2026—the Philippines still faces a much higher dengue burden than its Southeast Asian neighbors. According to September 2025 data, the country recorded 234,895 cases and 912 deaths, significantly more than Indonesia and Vietnam.
Dr. Hector Santos, PMA president, pointed out that dengue is no longer just a rainy season illness. “Because of such factors as climate change, urban sprawl and congestion, and others, dengue cases are already being reported all year round,” he explained.
E.N.D. Dengue’s strategy centers on five pillars: Global and Local Epidemiology and Threat, Vector Control, Clinical Management, Dengue Vaccine Development, and Communication and Advocacy. These focus areas underscore the coalition’s commitment to accurate disease reporting, effective mosquito control, updated clinical guidelines, accessible vaccine development, and public education to combat misinformation and promote vaccine acceptance.
Dr. Santos emphasized, “The E.N.D. Dengue Coalition, alongside the rest of the Philippine Medical Association, stands united in our shared mission of significantly reducing, if not eliminating, dengue deaths in the country. Together with our members, partners, and other supporters, we are committed to helping ease the burden of dengue, which continues to pose considerable strain not just on Filipino families but on the public health system as a whole.”
As dengue remains a year-round threat, health experts continue to urge the public to take preventive measures, be informed about early warning signs, and ensure that only registered and approved vaccines are used to protect against the disease.
