Worsened post-flood disease outbreak in the Philippines due to inadequate infrastructure planning, according to industry experts

The Philippines is currently grappling with a worsening public health crisis, as climate change exacerbates the spread of infectious diseases. This was evident in the recent deluge in Quezon City, where five days' worth of rain fell in an hour, leaving 36 out of the city's 142 barangays [villages] flooded.

The aftermath of this flood has been particularly concerning, with a significant increase in the number of dengue cases. Between January and August this year, Quezon City reported 6,981 cases of dengue, a 155 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in dengue cases has led the Department of Health (DOH) to issue advisories, urging citizens to take extra precautions against flood-related illnesses.

Other vector-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis, are also on the rise. These diseases are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and have been surging in the aftermath of floods triggered by typhoons and heavy monsoon rains, disproportionately affecting congested urban populations. Quezon City alone has reported 521 cases of leptospirosis as of late August, up 26 per cent year on year, with 74 fatalities.

Dr. Ramon San Pascual, executive director of Healthcare Without Harm Southeast Asia, has warned that Filipinos are experiencing the effects of climate change, not just in property damage but also in the documented rise of deaths due to vector-borne diseases. He emphasized that outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like leptospirosis are a result of the intertwining of climate change, public infrastructure, and humidity causing severe flooding.

Experts are calling for a shift in approach to combat this growing crisis. They advocate for strengthening medical education on climate impacts, empowering barangay health workers, and placing public health at the centre of adaptation strategies. Dr. San Pascual has also emphasized the importance of medical professionals engaging in advocacy, educating the public, and engaging policy makers.

The Philippine government has invested heavily in disaster prevention and mitigation, spending at least P157 billion (US$2.76 billion) on such efforts in 2021 alone and nearly P78 billion (US$1.37 billion) in 2022. However, much of this funding has been directed towards flood control projects that have failed to effectively manage extreme inundation.

In response to this, the Philippine House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the contractors of the allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahar Lagmay has suggested reallocating funds towards community planning, health system resilience, and the integration of scientific data into city development.

Beyond infectious diseases, experts warn that the health burden is expanding to include food security and climate anxiety challenges. Dr. Annabelle Sinlao, assistant professor at Manila Central University College of Medicine, has noted a seasonal shortage of preventive medicine during monsoon months, which is compounding the crisis.

In the face of these challenges, Dr. Sinlao has urged the government to establish a national climate health framework to integrate health concerns into disaster risk response and adaptation, and to meet challenges like antibiotic shortages after floods more easily. This framework, she believes, is crucial to breaking the cycle of floods and post-disaster disease outbreaks.

Worsened post-flood disease outbreak in the Philippines due to inadequate infrastructure planning, according to industry experts