Infectious Disease

communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are among the leading causes of death and disability in low-income countries and marginalized populations. HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed 36.3 million lives so far. 1.5 million people die from TB each year – making it the world’s second top infectious killer after Covid-19. 

In addition to the high proportion of deaths and suffering that they cause, communicable diseases hinder social and economic development and can pose significant threats to international health security, as is illustrated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of the high burden of communicable diseases, the SDGs include a specific target to end the epidemics of AIDS, TB, malaria and NTDs and to combat hepatitis and other communicable diseases. 

DOH-CAR, led by Dr. Amelita Macliing Pangilinan, met with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to address the acute gastroenteritis outbreak. A joint investigation identified Norovirus from unregistered deep wells used by water distributors as the likely cause. The team used qualitative and quantitative methods, including hospital visits and specimen testing at RITM. Establishments with contaminated water sources were ordered to sanitize and retest before reopening. The public is advised to regularly check water sources for contamination. Collaborative efforts aim to strengthen surveillance and prevent future outbreaks.