Reinvigorating vigilance: Updates on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the Philippines

The global concern surrounding emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases has reached paramount levels. These diseases encompass novel infections that have recently manifested within a population, or those that have existed but are now experiencing a rapid surge in both occurrence and geographical spread. Within the context of the Philippines, a developing country, the battle against infectious diseases is uniquely challenging. The intricacies of these challenges are deeply interwoven with factors such as poverty, densely packed living conditions, and limited accessibility to healthcare services. This intricate web of circumstances cultivates an environment that substantially amplifies the susceptibility to transmission and proliferation of infectious diseases, particularly within urban settings. Consequently, there emerges an urgent need for all-encompassing and sustainable strategies capable of effectively managing and alleviating the impact of infectious diseases, and thus? safeguarding? the health and overall well-being of the Filipino populace. This chapter delves into the latest insights regarding emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the Philippines. It encompasses a spectrum of conditions including influenza, dengue, Zika, HPV, HIV, TB, meningococcemia, leptospirosis, aspergillosis, candidiasis, mucormycosis, cryptococcosis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and schistosomiasis. The aim of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of the present state of these disease,while highlighting the trends in ongoing research endeavors and the collective pursuit of effective control and mitigation strategies.