As Manila faces a surge in leptospirosis cases following weeks of heavy rains and flooding, Bell-Kenz Pharma has stepped up its support for communities and frontline responders through the donation of essential medicines to help strengthen the city’s response to the growing public health concern.
The local pharmaceutical company donated 10,000 pieces of doxycycline to the Manila City Government through the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD), providing additional medical support amid the city’s ongoing efforts to address the rising number of leptospirosis cases.
The donation comes at a critical time as Manila has declared the leptospirosis situation an “epidemic condition,” after the city’s incidence rate rose to 3.48 percent from 1.27 percent the previous week, surpassing the city’s epidemiologic threshold. Several district hospitals, including Ospital ng Maynila, Sta. Ana Hospital, and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, have also reportedly reached full capacity amid the increase in patients.
The development underscores the urgent need to strengthen access to medical support, particularly for communities exposed to floodwaters, which can increase the risk of leptospirosis transmission.
“When a public health emergency affects communities, timely access to essential medicines becomes even more critical. Bell-Kenz Pharma is committed to working with local governments and our frontline partners to help address urgent healthcare needs and support the communities that need assistance the most,” said Patrick Larraga, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma.
The donation to Manila forms part of Bell-Kenz Pharma’s broader response to communities and frontline personnel affected by the rainy season.
The company also donated 2,000 pieces of doxycycline to the Coast Guard District National Capital Region–Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) through its Medical Station and Nursing Service Sub-Unit, supporting personnel who play a critical role in emergency response and community assistance during flooding and other disasters.
Meanwhile, 50 boxes of doxycycline were donated to the Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV), extending the company’s support beyond the National Capital Region to frontline responders serving communities in the Visayas.
MCDRRMD Head Arnel Angeles received the donation on behalf of the Manila LGU, while CGDNCR-CL Deputy Commander Captain Francisco Achilles Acedillo accepted the donation for the Coast Guard district. In Central Visayas, CGDCV Chief of Staff Lieutenant Commander Cherry Rose Manaay received the donation on behalf of the district.
The initiative aligns with the growing call for intensified community-level action against leptospirosis. The Manila government has likewise directed its agencies to strengthen public information efforts and facilitate access to free doxycycline through its health centers and district hospitals.
“Our role as a healthcare company goes beyond providing medicines. We also have a responsibility to be responsive when communities face urgent health challenges. Through our partnerships with local governments and frontline agencies, we hope to contribute to a stronger and more coordinated response to leptospirosis, especially during the rainy season,” Larraga added.
With the rainy season continuing to pose health and safety challenges, Bell-Kenz Pharma emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, private organizations, and communities in protecting Filipinos from preventable and potentially life-threatening diseases.
