One health in the Philippines: A review and situational analysis.

The Philippines faces a complex and interconnected web of human, animal, and environmental health issues, including zoonotic and reverse zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food insecurity and contamination, and threats from environmental degradation. This paper examines these issues, existing interventions, and their implementation challenges. The overall framework used to analyze the level of operationalization of the One Health approach is the Multi-sectoral One Health Coordination Framework developed by the World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Organization for Animal Health. A two-step process was conducted: literature review, followed by consultations with government and non-government stakeholders across national, subnational, and local levels. There has been significant progress in laying the foundation for collaboration between the human, animal, and environmental sectors. These are demonstrated by the presence of structures and systems, including inter-agency task forces, emergency response plans and mechanisms, and a network for health human resources. However, these are eclipsed by challenges, including the limited governance mechanisms within inter-agency committees, fragmented risk assessment and surveillance, untapped opportunities for joint investigation and response, insufficient resources for capacity-building, and absence of comprehensive risk communication and community engagement initiatives. These challenges highlight the importance of promoting multi-sectoral governance and ensuring resource allocation and sharing. Joint activities across risk assessment, surveillance, investigation, and response are critical in ensuring a proactive and holistic approach to addressing threats. A well-capacitated interdisciplinary workforce, not only capable of managing these hazards but also empowering communities to protect themselves, is necessary in ensuring innovation and collaboration on health risks at the human-animal-environment interface. In light of the multifaceted challenges faced by the Philippines, the One Health approach emerges as a vital strategy. By addressing governance issues, enhancing coordination, and bolstering resource allocation, the country can better protect the health and well-being of its people, animals, and ecosystems.

Screening for Fragile X Syndrome Among Filipino Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder present with difficulties in social communication, restricted interests or behaviors and other co-morbidities. About 2 to 10% of cases of autism have a genetic cause, and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is reported in 0 to 6.5% of individuals with autism. However, the FXS and premutation prevalence among Filipino children has never been reported. The aim of the study was to establish the presence of FXS or premutation carriers among Filipino children with autism and to describe the phenotypic characteristic of cases identified. Blood was collected from 235 children aged 2-6 years old and diagnosed with autism. Samples were analyzed using PCR methods to amplify CGG repeats in the FMRI gene. The diagnosis of autism was confirmed through the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2. Additional characteristics were documented from a physical examination, Griffiths Scales of Child Development assessment and a parent-answered questionnaire using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Fragile X testing through PCR methods in 235 children with diagnosed autism showed 220 (93.6%) were negative, no full mutations, 1 (0.436%) premutation carrier and 14 (5.95%) cases contained intermediate alleles. The FXS testing was limited to confirmed cases of autism, which is considered a high-risk group and does not provide prevalence for the general Filipino population. Subjects were self-referred or referred by clinicians, which may not represent the Filipino autism population with a bias towards those with means for clinical consultations and ability to travel to the place of testing. Samples were not measured for mosaicism, DNA methylation or AGG interspersion patterns. These may have effects on the CGG repeat expansion and overall presentation of FXS. Findings from a single premutation carrier cannot characterize features distinctly present in Filipinos with the mutation. Nevertheless, these results support the data that the prevalence of FXS in Asian populations may be lower than non-Asian populations. This can contribute to a better understanding of FXS and genetic causes of autism in the Philippines and other Asian populations.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the community of a private tertiary university in the Philippines: A serial cross sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a public health emergency in all sectors of society, including universities and other academic institutions. This study determined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among administrators, faculty, staff, and students of a private tertiary academic institution in the Philippines over a 7 month period. It employed a serial cross-sectional method using qualitative and quantitative COVID-19 antibody test kits. A total of 1,318 participants were tested, showing 47.80% of the study population yielding IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus. A general increase in seroprevalence was observed from June to December 2021, which coincided with the vaccine roll-out of the country. All brands yielded positive antibody formation, with mRNA vaccines having higher levels than other types of vaccines. A decreasing trend in IgG reactivity was found in vaccinated individuals after 1 to 6 months of completion of the 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Where possible, IgG and T-cell reactivity and/or neutralizing capacity against SAR-CoV-2 need to be monitored regardless of vaccine brand. Together with uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, other public health interventions such as wearing of masks and regular testing need to be continued for better protection. Effective communication is also needed to inform risks associated with activities across different settings. Investments in long-term measures such as air filtration and ventilation systems, and wastewater surveillance need to be made.