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Go calls for increased surveillance amid threat of HIV, monkeypox, COVID-19

Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, said there is an urgent need to intensify disease surveillance and prevention capabilities through legislative efforts, amid the threat of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), monkeypox and COVID-19 in the Philippines and other countries. In a public hearing committee conducted earlier in the week, Go highlighted the need for proactive measures following the increase of COVID-19 and monkeypox (mpox) cases across the region, adding that greater public awareness and early interventions are crucial. 'Napakaimportante rin po nitong Virology Institute and the Center for Disease Control (The Virology Institute and the Center for Disease Control is very important) that would strengthen research and development on potential disease-causing agents and medical surveillance,' Go said, emphasizing the necessity of institutionalized infrastructure to fight against emerging health threats. Go said the Virology Institute has been identified as one of the administration's current priorities. ''Yun po ang pinag-uusapan din po na naging prayoridad din po ng administration ngayon, ito pong pagpasa ng panukalang magtatayo ng Virology Institute,' he said. (The passage of the bill on the proposed Virology Institute was discussed and made a priority by the administration now.) Go is the principal author and co-sponsor of the Senate Bill No. 2893, or the Virology Institute of the Philippines Act, which was approved on its third and final reading by the Senate last February 3. Once enacted, the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP) will intensify the country's virology research capabilities, advance vaccine self-reliance, and certify a more proactive approach in fighting emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Go also called for vigilance in light of mpox infections detected in several areas in the country, warned against complacency and urged Filipinos to act before a potential outbreak escalates. 'Alam naman natin minsan na nagiging kumpyansa tayo. Pero kung mapipigilan natin sa lalong madaling panahon ay 'wag po itong kumalat, at 'wag na po umabot sana sa isang pandemya muli. Lessons learned po tayo. Dapat po'y unahin natin parati ang prevention.' (We know that sometimes we become complacent. But if we can stop it as soon as possible, it will no longer spread and not reach another pandemic. We have our lessons learned. We must always prioritize prevention.) More cases of mpox were detected in April 2025 as compared to May, and the total cases have so far reached 911 since 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) previously said. The City of Iloilo logged three additional confirmed cases of mpox, according to a report released by the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) last Monday. The three additional cases are from the list of four suspected cases previously reported, according to GMA Regional TV. The three new confirmed cases have no close contact with the first confirmed case. Meanwhile, Go cited that as of June 5, Asia is experiencing a renewed rise in COVID-19 cases through the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1, which currently spreads across countries including India, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and others. Countries reported sharp increases despite severity remaining generally low and hospital systems are not overwhelmed. Symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 include fatigue, sore throat, congestion, and fever. However, there's no indication yet that the variant leads to more severe illness. The number of young Filipinos infected with HIV has increased by 500%, prompting the DOH to request for the declaration of a national public health emergency for HIV. Go has also filed Senate Bill No. 195, proposing the creation of a Center for Disease Control modeled after the disease control institutions of other countries, and will serve as the central authority on public health surveillance and disease prevention. 'These institutions are vital to protecting our people and preparing our health system for the challenges ahead,' Go said. —KG, GMA Integrated News