Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. and Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc. have formalized a partnership to establish a Japan-backed health alliance aimed at raising awareness and strengthening community-based dengue prevention and control across the Philippines. The initiative is supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
The collaboration seeks to empower local communities with the necessary knowledge and resources to improve health-promoting behaviors, particularly focusing on environmental cleanliness, self-protection measures, hydration, wellness, and medical innovation as key elements in preventing and managing dengue.
The Philippines has seen a significant surge in dengue cases, with 340,860 reported nationwide by November 2024—an 81% increase from 2023. Regions such as Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Metro Manila have seen particularly notable rises in cases.
Loreann Villanueva, Country Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines, expressed, “Our partnership with Otsuka-Solar is a critical step toward advancing healthcare and disease prevention in the country. By combining our strengths, we can better educate communities on dengue prevention and empower individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their health.”
The partnership was officially launched during a signing ceremony held at the Diamond Hotel, attended by Japan Embassy Health Attaché Dr. Fumiko Aoki, Otsuka-Solar President Ken Saito, and Villanueva. The initiative aligns with the integrated dengue prevention and control strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization and the Philippine Department of Health.
Villanueva further emphasized, “With the support of the Japanese Embassy, Otsuka-Solar’s expertise in hydration and wellness, and Takeda’s leadership in pharmaceutical innovation, this collaboration allows us to engage communities in open health discussions, fostering better healthcare practices and disease prevention.”
Ken Saito, President of Otsuka-Solar Philippines, highlighted the importance of hydration in preventing dengue. “At Otsuka-Solar, we believe proper hydration is essential to overall wellness and plays a crucial role in dengue prevention. Through this partnership, we’re committed to enhancing community access to healthcare education and wellness solutions,” he said. Otsuka-Solar is the maker of Pocari Sweat, a leading hydration product.
Takeda Healthcare Philippines, a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is recognized for its life-transforming treatments in areas such as gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, rare diseases, oncology, and vaccines. With a legacy dating back to 1781 in Osaka, Japan, Takeda remains a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation.
In addition to its partnership with Otsuka-Solar, Takeda has also collaborated with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) to further advance public health education and disease prevention efforts nationwide.
Villanueva concluded, “When communities are informed and engaged, they make smarter choices to protect themselves and those around them. This partnership aims to inspire conversations that lead to lasting improvements in public health.”
