VACC: Controversial anti-dengue program is worse than any heinous crime

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption founding chair Dante Jimenez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

A group of anticorruption advocates appealed to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch an investigation into the government’s dengue immunization program that has potentially exposed children to a more serious health risk.

The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said on Saturday that they would file a request to urge the DOJ to mobilize the National Bureau of Investigation in looking into the health issue.

On Wednesday, pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur disclosed that children who have not yet been afflicted with dengue and have received the vaccine Dengvaxia are exposed to “more cases of severe disease.”

READ: Pharma firm issues caution on use of anti-dengue vaccine

The Department of Health (DOH) immediately ordered the suspension of the P3.5-billion vaccination program, which rolled out in 2016.

Dante Jimenez, VACC chair, noted in a press briefing in Quezon City that they would also appeal to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to set up “centers” in provinces where parents whose children have received Dengvaxia may file their complaints.

“This is even worse than any heinous crimes,” Jimenez said.

Those responsible for the procurement of the vaccine should be held accountable, the group said, adding that those affected may also file class suits for damages. /jpv

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