Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, urged the public and health authorities to remain vigilant following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) renewed classification of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed the emergency status due to the continued upsurge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread to neighboring countries. The organization cited ongoing violence in affected regions, hindering response efforts, and a lack of funding as critical concerns.
Go emphasized the importance of proactive measures in the Philippines, given the potential risk of importation of cases.
“’Wag nating hintayin na maapektuhan tayo at lumala bago tayo kumilos. Ang ating gobyerno at mga health authorities ay dapat masusing magbantay upang hindi makapasok o kumalat ang mpox sa ating bansa,” the legislator said.
Mpox is a viral zoonosis caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. It is characterized by symptoms such as fever, a distinctive rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and it spreads through close contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.
Although historically endemic to regions in Central and West Africa, recent outbreaks have demonstrated its capacity to cross borders, prompting global health authorities to adopt stringent monitoring and response strategies.
The lawmaker called on the Department of Health (DOH) and local government units to strengthen surveillance and ensure the availability of necessary medical interventions.
“Importante ang mabilisang pagtugon at sapat na impormasyon para maiwasan ang panic.”
“Importante ang mabilisang pagtugon at sapat na impormasyon para maiwasan ang panic. Dapat handa tayo sa testing, treatment, at quarantine procedures kung sakaling may pumasok na kaso,” the senator added.
He also stressed the role of public awareness and personal responsibility in disease prevention.
“Sa panahon ngayon, hindi na lang gobyerno ang may tungkulin sa kalusugan natin. Responsibilidad din natin bilang mamamayan ang pagsunod sa mga patakaran at pag-iingat,” Go stressed.
He reiterated the need for robust disease surveillance and border control measures, particularly at major international entry points.
Go highlighted previous lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that early detection and decisive action were crucial in mitigating outbreaks.
“Kung may natutunan tayo sa pandemya, ito ay ang kahalagahan ng maagap at epektibong aksyon. Dapat matuto tayo sa nakaraan at gawing mas episyente ang ating response system,” he said.
As part of his broader health agenda, Go has been pushing for forward-thinking reforms to strengthen the country’s public health system. He filed Senate Bill No. 195 (SBN 195), which seeks to establish the Center for Disease Control (CDC), modeled after successful counterparts in other countries. If enacted, the CDC will serve as the nation’s primary hub for disease prevention, surveillance, and control, addressing both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
Additionally, on February 3, the Senate approved on its third and final reading SBN 2893, or the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) Act, which Senator Go principally authored and co-sponsored. This measure aims to enhance the country’s virology research capabilities and promote vaccine self-reliance.
“Napakahalaga ng Virology Institute of the Philippines sa pagpapalakas ng ating kakayahan laban sa mga sakit na maaaring maging banta sa ating kalusugan. Kailangan nating matutong umasa sa sarili nating research at produksyon ng bakuna,” he emphasized.
The VIP is envisioned to strengthen the country’s ability to study, detect, and combat emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, ensuring a more proactive response to future health threats.
Go urged DOH to intensify information campaigns to educate Filipinos on mpox symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures. He also encouraged local government units to conduct training and readiness drills for healthcare workers.
“Ang tamang kaalaman ay isang malakas na panlaban sa anumang sakit.”
“Ang tamang kaalaman ay isang malakas na panlaban sa anumang sakit. Dapat tiyakin ng DOH na abot ng impormasyon ang lahat ng sektor, lalo na sa mga probinsya,” Go said.
As WHO prepares to release its full report on the outbreak, Go reiterated his call for transparency and preparedness in handling potential health threats.
“Mas mabuti nang handa tayo kaysa magulat at mahirapan kapag huli na ang lahat. Kalusugan ng mamamayan ang nakataya, kaya hindi pwedeng mag-relax,” he concluded.
