Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc. and Otsuka-Solar Philippines Inc. have agreed to partner in establishing a Japan-backed health alliance dedicated to strengthening community-based disease awareness and integrated prevention and control in the Philippines in the area of dengue.
The Philippines has reported a significant surge in dengue cases, with a staggering 340,860 cases nationwide, as of Nov. 2024, or an 81 percent increase compared to the 188,574 cases recorded in the same period in 2023.
Regions such as Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas have experienced more than a 40 percent rise in cases, with Metro Manila also observing an upward trend.
“Our collaboration with Otsuka-Solar represents a significant step toward our goal of advancing healthcare in the country,” Loreann Villanueva, country manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc., said in a recent press release.
“By combining our expertise, we can better educate communities on disease prevention and empower them to take proactive steps in protecting their health,” she added.
The partnership was formalized in a signing ceremony at the Diamond Hotel, where Japan Embassy Health Attaché Dr. Fumiko Aoki, Otsuka-Solar president Ken Saito, and Villanueva led the launch of the initiative.
The collaboration aims to increase dengue awareness within the community in support of the integrated dengue prevention and control strategy, driven by the World Health Organization and the Department of Health.
“With the Japanese Embassy’s support, Otsuka-Solar’s expertise in hydration and wellness, and Takeda’s leadership in pharmaceutical innovation, we can empower communities through open discussions about health, which is essential in shaping better healthcare practices and disease prevention strategies,” Villanueva added.
Ken Saito, president of Otsuka-Solar Philippines, emphasized the importance of hydration and wellness in dengue prevention.
“At Otsuka-Solar, we believe that good health starts with the right habits, and proper hydration plays a vital role in overall wellness. Through this collaboration with Takeda and the support of the Japanese Embassy, we are taking a step further in ensuring that communities are better equipped to prevent and manage dengue. We are proud to be part of this initiative and remain committed to strengthening healthcare education and access in the Philippines,” he said.
Otsuka-Solar is the company behind Pocari Sweat, a widely-recognized hydration product. Its parent company, Otsuka, was founded in 1921 in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, and has a long-standing commitment to health and wellness.
Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited, is known for its life-transforming treatments in gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience, and vaccines. Founded in 1781 in Osaka, Japan, Takeda continues to be a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.
Beyond its collaboration with Otsuka-Solar, Takeda Healthcare Philippines also recently partnered with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the umbrella organization representing leagues and federations of local government officials. The initiative further strengthens public-private cooperation in advancing health education and disease prevention efforts nationwide.
“When people are informed and engaged, they make smarter choices that protect not only themselves but also those around them,” Villanueva said, “Through this partnership, we aim to foster meaningful conversations that drive lasting improvements in community health.” ||
