Medicine Donations Support Manila’s Leptospirosis Response

As cases of leptospirosis rise following weeks of heavy rain and flooding, additional medical supplies are being deployed to communities and frontline responders as Manila intensifies efforts to contain the disease.

Bell-Kenz Pharma has donated 10,000 pieces of doxycycline to the Manila City Government through the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD), providing additional medicine as health facilities deal with an increasing number of patients.

The assistance comes after Manila declared the leptospirosis situation an “epidemic condition.” The city’s incidence rate reportedly climbed to 3.48 percent from 1.27 percent the previous week, exceeding its epidemiologic threshold.

Several government 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 cases.

The situation has raised concerns particularly for residents and emergency personnel who have been exposed to floodwaters. Leptospirosis can be contracted through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, making flooded communities especially vulnerable during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.

Patrick Larraga, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma, said timely access to medicines becomes particularly important when communities are dealing with a public health emergency.

“When a public health emergency affects communities, timely access to essential medicines becomes even more critical,” Larraga said, adding that the company would continue working with local governments and frontline organizations to address urgent healthcare needs.

Support has also been extended to Philippine Coast Guard personnel involved in emergency and disaster response.

Bell-Kenz Pharma donated 2,000 pieces of doxycycline to the Coast Guard District National Capital Region–Central Luzon through its Medical Station and Nursing Service Sub-Unit. Another 50 boxes were provided to the Coast Guard District Central Visayas, extending the initiative to responders serving communities outside Metro Manila.

MCDRRMD Head Arnel Angeles received the Manila donation, while CGDNCR-CL Deputy Commander Captain Francisco Achilles Acedillo accepted the medicines for the Coast Guard district. In Central Visayas, the donation was received by CGDCV Chief of Staff Lieutenant Commander Cherry Rose Manaay.

The Manila City Government has meanwhile directed concerned agencies to strengthen public information campaigns on leptospirosis and improve access to doxycycline through city health centers and district hospitals.

Larraga said addressing the disease requires coordination among the public and private sectors, particularly during periods when flooding increases exposure risks.

“Our role as a healthcare company goes beyond providing medicines. We also have a responsibility to be responsive when communities face urgent health challenges,” he said.

With the rainy season continuing, health authorities and partner organizations are emphasizing prevention, early consultation, public awareness, and access to appropriate medical care.

The response also highlights the importance of cooperation among local governments, healthcare institutions, private organizations, frontline agencies, and communities in reducing the health risks associated with flooding and protecting vulnerable populations from potentially serious illnesses.