Behind the rising number of leptospirosis cases in Manila are communities dealing with the health risks left by flooding and frontline workers working to respond to them. As the city faces an epidemic-level surge, Bell-Kenz Pharma is extending support not only to those who may need medical assistance, but also to the responders helping bring that support closer to communities.
The company donated 10,000 pieces of doxycycline to the Manila City Government through the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD), adding to the city's available medical resources as it works to address the increase in cases.
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The donation comes as Manila grapples with a sharp rise in leptospirosis following weeks of heavy rain and flooding. The city's attack rate reached 3.48%, up from 1.27% the previous week and above its epidemiologic threshold, while several district hospitals have reportedly reached full capacity amid the influx of patients.
Supporting Those at Risk and Those Responding
For residents who have been exposed to floodwaters, the health concerns do not end when the water recedes. Leptospirosis can be transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, making flood-affected communities particularly vulnerable.
At the same time, addressing an outbreak requires people who can reach those communities. Health workers, emergency personnel, local government teams, and other frontline responders continue to work on the ground, helping provide information, assistance, and access to healthcare.
“When a public health emergency affects communities, timely access to essential medicines becomes even more critical,” said Patrick Larraga, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma. He said the company is committed to supporting local governments and frontline partners as they respond to urgent healthcare needs.
That support also extends beyond Manila. Bell-Kenz 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, while another 50 boxes were provided to the Coast Guard District Central Visayas.
More Support Means More People Reached
The role of frontline responders becomes especially important during flooding and other emergencies, when reaching affected communities can be challenging. Supporting the people already doing that work can help strengthen the response and allow assistance to reach more Filipinos who need it.
MCDRRMD Head Arnel Angeles received the Manila donation on behalf of the city government, while Coast Guard District National Capital Region-Central Luzon Deputy Commander Captain Francisco Achilles Acedillo accepted the medicines for the district. In Central Visayas, Coast Guard District Central Visayas Chief of Staff Lieutenant Commander Cherry Rose Manaay received the donation.
“Our role as a healthcare company goes beyond providing medicines,” Larraga said. “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.”
For Bell-Kenz Pharma, being a “Kaagapay sa Kalusugan” means showing up not only for those facing a health concern, but also for the people helping them through it. By supporting both communities and the frontliners who serve them, the company hopes to help strengthen the chain of support that allows assistance to reach more people when they need it most.
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