Pharma industry backs battle vs. MERS-Cov

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MANILA – The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) has declared support and readiness to work with the Department of Health (DOH) in preventing the entry of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-Cov) in the country.

PHAP, composed of 39 national and global pharmaceutical companies and representing the research medicines and vaccines sector, said it was prepared to work closely with the DOH and other concerned agencies in times of health outbreaks and emergencies.

PHAP executive director Teodoro Padilla said there were contingency measures in place to ensure availability of medicines and vaccines during health crises and emergencies.

Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine against MERS-Cov at present, PHAP noted the crucial role of collaborations to advance research and development.

Infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, public information and education drive, along with strong disease surveillance and good hygiene are vital to prevent the spread of MERS-Cov. With this, PHAP noted the importance of government’s campaign to strengthen prevention strategies to stave off MERS-Cov threat.

In 2009, PHAP member companies collaborated with different government agencies in the efforts to prevent and contain international health threats, including the A(H1N1) pandemic.

MERS-Cov is currently considered as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).