Manila: Effective dengue prevention requires a combination of vector control and vaccination efforts, a group of physicians said Wednesday. Vector control includes measures to reduce the mosquito population, such as eliminating breeding sites and using insecticides. Meanwhile, vaccination is important in herd immunity enhancement and severe case reduction. According to Philippines News Agency, recent data from the World Health Organization showed a significant rise in global dengue cases, with more than 7.6 million cases and more than 3,000 deaths reported in 2024. Latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed that the number of dengue cases nationwide from Jan. 1 to Oct. 26 has reached 314,785. In a statement, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) expressed its support for the Oplan Balik-Eskwela vaccination program implemented by the DOH and the Department of Education. "It focuses on protecting children from preventable diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and more. This program is vital in restoring public confidence in vaccination, also emphasizing the importance for adults to stay updated with vaccinations to prevent severe diseases," the PMA said. A significant drop in vaccine confidence from 93 percent in 2015 to 32 percent in 2018 was observed after the CYD-TDV dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) controversy. The decreased vaccine confidence resulted in a measles outbreak in 2019, recording 47,871 cases and 632 deaths. The PMA urged the medical community to share accurate vaccine-related information and provide counseling to their patients whenever necessary so that patients can make informed decisions regarding vaccination. It also urged the public to rely on science, facts, and professional expertise and to trust regulatory bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration that ensures the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The PMA noted that Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, have achieved low dengue transmission levels and reduced dengue-related deaths with combined vector control and vaccination efforts.