"The Ongoing Pursuit of Justice: The Dengvaxia Case

The Ongoing Pursuit of Justice: The Dengvaxia CaseAs healthcare professionals, it is essential to acknowledge the devastating consequences of the Dengvaxia vaccine debacle on the lives of many families. The recent dismissal of 98 cases filed against former health secretary Janette Garin and other government officials, as well as top executives of vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and vaccine distributor Zuellig Pharma, has sparked outrage among those affected by this tragedy.As a health reform advocate and former special adviser for non-communicable diseases at the Department of Health (DOH), Dr. Anthony Leachon empathizes with the group of parents whose children's deaths were linked to the Dengvaxia vaccine. He believes that the justice system has failed these families, instead offering them silence, dismissal, and an aggressive campaign to erase the truth.The Forgotten VictimsDr. Leachon reminds us that this is not just about statistics or court cases – it's about 196 innocent children who should have been safe, playing, laughing, and growing up with their families. Unfortunately, they are gone, leaving behind grieving parents and loved ones. The fact that those responsible for allowing this tragedy to occur continue to walk free, wielding power, influence, and wealth to rewrite history, is a travesty.The Power of InfluenceDr. Leachon alleges that the powerful individuals involved in the case are spending billions of pesos on public relations campaigns to erase the memory of the tragedy. This raises questions about the influence these individuals have and how they are able to silence those who seek justice.A Glimmer of HopeHowever, Dr. Leachon points out that there is still hope for justice. A petition was filed by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) before the Court of Appeals to revive the first batch of eight Dengvaxia cases dismissed by a Quezon City regional trial court. This development highlights the importance of persistence and determination in seeking truth and justice.The Encroachment of PowerThe Dengvaxia case is not just about the vaccine itself; it's also about the encroachment of power and influence that allows those responsible to continue operating with impunity. It's a stark reminder that even in the face of tragedy, powerful individuals will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power.ConclusionThe Dengvaxia case is not a lost cause. There are still those willing to fight for justice, despite the overwhelming influence and resources of those who wish to bury this case. As professionals in the healthcare industry, it's essential that we acknowledge the harm caused by this tragedy and continue to push for accountability.Keywords: Dengvaxia vaccine, Janette Garin, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., Zuellig Pharma, Department of Health (DOH), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Court of Appeals

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.