Manila: Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday called for the immediate approval of a new dengue vaccine, warning that the government’s current strategies may no longer be enough to contain the current surge in cases.

According to Philippines News Agency, Binay urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the evaluation of TAK-003, a dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda, which has already been licensed in over 40 countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, and members of the European Union.

“I think it’s time we approve the new dengue vaccine. We need to ask the DOH and FDA about the status of its application because it was already submitted in April 2023,” she said.

Citing DOH data, Binay said dengue cases surged by 56 percent in the first six weeks of 2025 after cases reached more than 43,000 from 27,995 cases during the same period last year.

The highest number of cases were reported in Calabarzon with 9,111 cases; followed by Metro Manila, 7,551 cases; and Central Luzon, 7,362 cases.

Seventeen local government units in these regions have been declared dengue hotspots.

Binay, who personally witnessed the severity of dengue when her son recently contracted the illness, questioned whether the long-standing 5S dengue prevention strategy remains effective in the face of rising cases.

“If we keep doing the same thing and cases are still rising, maybe the 5S approach is no longer enough or effective,” she said.

The 5S strategy, which has been the country’s primary dengue prevention approach since 1993, stands for Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites; Self-protection measures against mosquito bites; Seek early consultation when symptoms appear; Support fogging/spraying in dengue hotspot areas; and Sustain hydration for dengue patients.

Binay emphasized the need to reassess and recalibrate the government’s approach to ensure it aligns with current public health needs and global best practices.

“The government must exhaust all available options to protect the public, including approving a proven dengue vaccine. We cannot afford to wait while cases continue to rise,” she added.