The Batang Matatag Campaign, a joint initiative by Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines, has announced a significant expansion of its reach and a new partnership with the Manila Water Foundation.

Launched in 2022, the campaign addresses health challenges due to the lack of access to clean water and proper WASH and hygiene facilities. The Batang Matatag campaign invests in gut health and hygiene education for vulnerable communities, and the partnership with the Manila Water Foundation will help increase access to handwashing stations and water pumps in schools and communities across the country.

“Investing in our children’s gut health and hygiene is investing in our future. The Batang Matatag Campaign calls on all of us to play a part in building a healthier, stronger Philippines where every child has the chance to reach their full potential,” said Rica Mae Mateo from Erceflora Probiotics.

Deeply concerned by the rise of childhood mortality due to diarrhea in the Philippines, Erceflora Probiotics and Save the Children Philippines launched the Batang Matatag Campaign to combat this preventable illness. Launched in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2022, the campaign reached over 19,477 individuals in communities and schools, training over 1,000 adolescents in essential life skills, educated 500 residents on child health and nutrition, and achieved a remarkable 100% improvement in health levels within the communities it served.

This year, Batang Matatag expanded its reach this year to the Rizal province in Luzon, completing four hygiene promotion sessions and WASH caravans, and 12 nutrition promotion sessions. The campaign provided 2,500 hygiene kits for students, as well as Brigada Eskwela cleaning kits for 126 schools in Rizal and BARMM.  

Batang Matatag also initiated educating school clinicians and nurses in 68 public schools in Antipolo about the role of probiotics and effective diarrhea management among school children.   

Through this campaign, the communities benefited from newly constructed water pumps and handwashing stations, ultimately benefiting 65,007 individuals in both provinces.      

"We are incredibly proud of Batang Matatag's impact in its first year, and thrilled to expand our reach to Luzon. With the support of our partners and communities, we are committed to continuing this vital work and ensuring that every Filipino child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong," Mateo added.  

Families are also empowered to support the campaign. With every purchase of Erceflora Probiotics, a portion of the sale will be donated to the #BatangMatatag Campaign to help build more WASH facilities and create more hygiene education programs for vulnerable communities and partner schools in the country. 

Erceflora is available in the nearest drug store or pharmacy, or online through the Sanofi Official Store. For more information, visit the Erceflora website here. 

Diabetes is a major health concern in the Philippines, now ranking as the fourth leading cause of mortality.1 In 2021, the number of Filipinos diagnosed with diabetes was pegged at 4 million.2 Alarming statistics from the Diabetes Atlas of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projected that by the year 2030, this number will increase to 5.4 million.3 Thus, it is crucial to equip Filipinos with the necessary knowledge to prevent and properly manage diabetes.

Sanofi General Medicines has taken an active step in creating awareness and support for individuals living with diabetes through its diabetes education Facebook page, “Step Up For Diabetes PH.”

The page recently hosted a heartwarming “Sweet Chat” session entitled "Living the Sweet Life: How to Beat Diabetes,” aimed at shedding light on diabetes, and educating patients on how to take control of the condition to achieve good quality of life.

Endocrinologist Dr. Roy Raoul Felipe, Head of the Center for Diabetes, Thyroid, and Endocrine Disorders – Diabetic Foot Program at St. Luke’s Medical Center, emphasized during the talk that the most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes, which he called a “lifestyle disease” as the person’s lifestyle plays a big part in the development of the disease in addition to family history and age4. Dr. Felipe shared that the absence of symptoms does not rule out diabetes and further added, "We urge all Filipinos, starting at the age of 35, to undergo yearly check-ups, including getting a simple blood test to screen for diabetes."

The session also highlighted the inspiring personal journey of Mr. Edward Ty, a 52-year old health advocate and person living with diabetes. Mr. Ty shared, “My initial reaction when I learned that I had diabetes was mostly fear and anxiety. My children then were still young, so worrying about the future consumed me. But I realized later that the fear only came from not knowing and understanding the disease.” He added, “It’s important to understand your medical condition, so always seek regular consultation with your doctor.” He also emphasized that people living with diabetes will be able to better manage the disease when they have the support of their family and friends. “I taught my son how to inject insulin so sometimes he does it for me. My whole family enjoys the same activities I enjoy, like walking and dancing. That’s very helpful because it encourages me to continue doing what I need to do to manage my diabetes.”

Actress, television host, and moderator of the Sweet Chat session, Dianne Medina, also drew from her personal experience of caring for her father who also has diabetes. She urged viewers to support their loved ones in managing this condition such as encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle, accompanying them to their check-ups, and displaying utmost care for their medical needs.

Lastly, Dr. Felipe reminded viewers to not be afraid of the disease – as having diabetes is not a life sentence because it can be controlled. Persons living with this condition can still “live the sweet life” if they are able to properly manage it and get the right support.

Through this Sweet Chat episode, Sanofi General Medicines continues to support Filipinos with diabetes by raising awareness and understanding of the disease. For more information about diabetes and its proper management, like and follow Sanofi Philippines' Step up for Diabetes PH Facebook Page.

Women throughout every life stage take on several roles and are often stretched too thin when they’re expected to take care of everything and everyone else. But what about their own health?

“Women often feel pressured to manage everyone’s lives on top of their own, but it is important to practice proper self-care to manage the many complexities of the female body, including finding safe ways to manage discomforts like dysmenorrhea. Proper self-care and hygiene can always start with right information and further supported by our pro-women products,” according to Ysabel Banson, Group Brand Lead for Sanofi Consumer Healthcare.

With women at the forefront of many of this country’s greatest movements, the need to practice self-care is crucial, because it is the most effective way for women to become their best versions and also be in the best position to take care of those they care about. “We need to create a space where we can talk about women’s health more and pay more attention to the changes that every woman’s body goes through. We need to keep advocating for women to embrace their uniqueness, which includes tending to their health through proper self-care,” Banson remarked. The best way to feel your best even during down days

Many health issues that women experience vary on their current life stage and genetics. Risks towards the most common women-centric diseases can be lessened with proper nutrition, leading a healthy lifestyle, adequate activity, and good hygiene.

There are just as many ways for women to maintain their health and enjoy many years as a healthy and productive individual, and while health challenges vary among individuals, there are five key practices to form a strong foundation: v Get Moving! - Often in their off days where women feel stressed, anxious, or at their lowest energy levels, activities like walking, gentle running, or yoga, proves to help a lot in improving their mood and boosting their energy.

Eat like your health depends on it (because it does!) - You are what you eat. For women to feel at their best inside and out, one should adjust their diet to food rich in magnesium and iron to help with iron deficiency and cramps that come during menstruation. Food that includes whole grains, vegetables, and fruits also help with regulating hormones and menstrual cycles.

A clean femzone is a happy femzone - With women’s unique and ever-changing bodies, their needs change over time as well. To feel and become their best selves, women must always prioritize hygiene especially for parts as sensitive as the femzone. Fortunately for women everywhere, products like Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene fully understand the changes that women’s bodies go through and offer a full range of gentle yet effective options for every kind of care that their femzone might need.

Know the right medication! (that’s clinically proven safe, of course!) - While home remedies are helpful for minor conditions, the same cannot be said for majority of the health challenges that women experience. Fortunately, there are science-based products like Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan Venus) specifically designed to address the dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain and cramps that women go through so they can power through the most challenging days. Although it has been proven to be safe, remember to accompany it with a doctor’s visit first to make sure this is the product you need.

Intentionally fill up your self-care cup - Becoming the best version of oneself shouldn’t just stop with taking care of the physical self, so make sure to allot time and effort to prioritize proper self-care practices. Prevention is the best self-care practice, and this can be achieved through learning and being constantly informed of the body’s needs, unlearning some, if not all, of one’s bad habits, and meditating and getting enough sleep to strengthen one’s mental wellness. Prioritizing these self-care practices readies you to conquer and live out your purpose in the world once again.

Though these five practices can form a strong foundation on how to take better care of one’s health, self-care can be different for everyone. The best way for women to maintain their health and enjoy their best selves is by prioritizing their health first through actively seeking the right information and healthcare solution for them. “Our mission as brands for women is to help build a healthier future by helping people help themselves. We give our consumers access to science-based solutions to address many of their health concerns through products like Lactacyd and Buscopan Venus, and we also continue to advocate for stronger women’s health education in the country, especially proactive awareness on the many factors that affect a woman’s body and well-being.”

“Women are a pillar of strength for the Philippines, and we want to continue empowering them to have more agency of their health and live healthy, full lives for themselves and the people around them,” Banson concluded.

Health experts, together with local government units, called on medical groups, government, and stakeholders to create a coalition to champion flu immunization specifically for older adults. During a media roundtable discussion organized by the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the Philippine College for Geriatric Medicine (PCGM) last June 6, 2022, Philippine College of Physicians Vice President Dr. Rontgene Solante said it’s about time the country has a whole-of-society approach to better protect older adults against influenza, “We would like to protect this population against exacerbation of other infections. Decreasing hospitalization among this population will also have an implication in decreasing complications like diabetes, stroke, even hip fracture, and cardiac complications. This partnership with the government and private medical societies–these are very important to move forward. This is for the greater good of the population.”

PFV’s Executive Director Dr. Lulu Bravo, who has always championed the health and well-being of senior citizens through vaccination, couldn’t agree more. “Our senior citizens should be aware of the different free vaccines available to them, especially for influenza. In the near future, we might even have new Quadrivalent flu vaccines (QIV) for added protection. This vaccine includes the same strains as the trivalent vaccine (TIV) we’re currently using now, but with an additional B strain. This means the QIV produces a higher antibody response in patients 60 years old and above compared to the TIV. But introducing new types of vaccines, especially to older adults, has been a challenge. We need the support system of the entire medical community, our LGUs, as well as the private and public sector, especially the media to champion flu immunization for older adults,” Bravo said.

According to Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Former President Dr. Remedios Coronel, our older adults are vulnerable to many diseases because of immunosenescence or the lowering of immunity as people get older. It is important that family members and seniors should be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza. “Influenza vaccines are safe. It’s very effective in decreasing the severity of hospitalization especially among our older adults with comorbidities”, Coronel quipped. In the

Philippines, Influenza-attributable deaths account for 5.09 deaths every 100,000 persons. It is highest among individuals 60 years old and above.

PCGM President Dr. Eduardo Poblete said the PCGM has recently released statements of support and policy recommendations to further enhance the system in combating influenza, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections among older adults to promote their health and wellness throughout their lifetime. “We are suggesting a holistic approach to try to promote the health and well-being of all the older Filipino adults by promoting vaccine confidence among the elderly, promoting preventive medicine including fall prevention, vaccination, self-care and maintaining functionality,” Poblete said.

At the local government level, the City of Pasig is beefing up efforts to roll out its flu immunization program for older adults. Pasig City National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator Dr. Angelo Saquitan agrees with the health experts that there is a need to create a coalition to champion influenza immunization for seniors. “This is for everyone’s benefit. The whole community will benefit if our seniors are vaccinated against the flu. Prevention is always better than cure,” Saquitan said. He reiterated that the vaccines have been tried and tested for years, and are perfectly safe. “I really think a coalition to champion flu immunization for older adults will help increase our flu vaccination rates and better protect our seniors,” Saquitan added.

The pandemic has made it difficult for people to move around to acquire basic necessities such as food and medicines, not just because of lockdowns, but because of running a higher risk in catching COVID-19 especially in high foot traffic places such as restaurants, groceries, or pharmacies. It is this predicament that Sanofi tries to remedy in their newest collaborations.

Dedicated to improving access to healthcare, Sanofi has collaborated with Watsons, Southstar Drug, and Rose Pharmacy to offer an easier way for patients to take better care of their health. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and other lifestyle diseases may now order their prescription medicines either online or via phone, and have them delivered straight to their doors or pick up at their preferred branch sans the waiting. The collaborations started in May 2021, and are continuing to activate even more pharmacies in order to reach more patients.

Keeping in mind the pandemic and the health and safety protocols that we have to follow to ensure our well-being, Sanofi’s collaboration with these pharmacies fills the current need and demand for insulin and other medicines that require proper cold chain management. Their respective delivery services ensure that medicines like Insulin are properly handled to maintain their efficacy. With just a call or a click, patients and their caregivers can easily order medicines, and are no longer forced to step out of the house and run the risk of exposing themselves to the virus.

In order to ensure that insulins and other medicines are properly handled and delivered, Sanofi has provided their expertise on cold chain management and has standardized the handling of these medicines throughout different branches of the pharmacies located strategically in key cities all over the country. Anyone with a valid prescription can avail the e-pharmacy services especially for prescription medicines. Pharmacies have systems in place on how they will validate the purchase of these products in the e-pharmacy channel as required by law.

In a bigger effort to improve healthcare, most critical in these times, these collaborations are not exclusive to Sanofi medicines but include other medicines that need proper cold chain storage handling in order to reach the patients. As a global healthcare leader, this is a bold initiative of Sanofi that patients will be able to obtain insulin in the most convenient way.

Sanofi’s newest Second Generation Insulin is also made available through this channel. Compared to the first generation insulin, the newer insulin is recorded to have improved effects on patients’ blood sugar, as well as a lower risk for abnormally low levels of blood sugar. It has also been innovated to have a more gradual drug release and therefore less painful when injected.

“Innovative medicines are crucial in moving us forward, to keep us looking for ways to make treatments better for our patients. We continue to create these innovative solutions to meet the needs of our patients. We always endeavor to improve patient access to proper treatment and education, and with these collaborations, we’re ensuring that patients with diabetes from all over the country have access to innovative medicine,” says Dr. Amal Makhloufi, country lead for Sanofi Philippines.

As patient needs continue to change, Sanofi adapts to the times and continues to innovate solutions to provide the utmost care for patients. These collaborations are part of that continuous effort to build a healthier Philippines by creating newer and better ways for them to access the best healthcare possible.

In line with their dedication to be the best healthcare journey partner to Filipinos, Sanofi also launched the Empower Program, where continuous care and coaching is provided to patients by doctors and diabetes educators. They are also working with Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) to promote a more holistic approach to patient care by properly educating patients on their disease, empowering patients to create informed decisions about their care, making them more confident in managing their conditions. KiDS (Kids and Diabetes in Schools) and Youth Health Patrol were also launched with support from the Department of Education, University of Asia and the Pacific, and APB Foundation, aiming to educate the youth about the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle.

For more information, visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/call-and-delivery-list-of-stores https://southstardrug.com.ph/collections, https://www.rosepharmacy.com/

 

Amidst the pandemic, there is another disease that has gone under the radar and is silently affecting millions of people—Diabetes. Described as a chronic, noncommunicable disease, diabetes is a major public health problem globally and persons afflicted with it are also vulnerable to a host of other diseases such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and COVID.

“Last year, there were 463 million adults living with diabetes globally. That’s 1 out of 11 people who have the condition,” said Sanofi Philippines Country Lead, Amal Makhloufi Benchouk.

More alarmingly, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that a further 232 million people remain undiagnosed, with the majority of them believed to have type 2 diabetes. In the Philippines alone diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and places a heavy burden for many families who are living with disease.

“There are about 3.7 million diabetic Filipinos, and this number is expected to double in the next 5 years,” Amal shared. “Only 34% are diagnosed, 27% are treated, and only 11% are on insulin. Among those treated, less than 50% are able to manage or control their disease. Globally, 1 life is lost every 7 seconds because of diabetes and its complications.”

Stepping up for World Diabetes Day

Among other factors such as diet and lifestyle, Makhloufi stresses that there is a distinct lack of awareness and understanding on diabetes which has led to its widespread prevalence in recent years. To address this, Sanofi Philippines hosted Healthier/PH sessions: Step Up For World Diabetes Day, a virtual media event which featured a multi-disciplinary panel to tackle the issue of diabetes and educate the public on managing the disease.

“As partners for building a healthier Philippines, we have the chance to step up in solidarity for our friends and family with diabetes. Even a simple gesture of raising awareness, getting the word out to help people better understand the disease and the risk factors behind it can go a long way in the prevention and management of diabetes,” she affirmed.

Other speakers during the online panel include fitness expert, Jinoe Gavan of Takbo.ph, who shared simple at-home workout tips to keep active during quarantine. Social enterprise Gising Gising, represented by Bianca Dualan, RND, was also present during the talk and educated the audience on the proper nutrition and diet for regulating sugar levels, which is essential in managing diabetes.

Lifestyle and Chronic Diseases

“Another way to describe diabetes is a lifestyle disease,” Amal explained. “If we actively promote an active and well-balanced lifestyle for our families, where we get sufficient physical activity and proper nutrition, this will play a major role in reducing the prevalence of chronic disease in the coming years.”

And in its thrust to raise further awareness on the impact of the disease and promote healthier lifestyles, Sanofi Philippines launched the Step Up For World Diabetes Day Virtual Run 2020. This virtual running event was launched on November 14 and runs through December 15, and was initiated in partnership with Takbo.ph.

“I encourage you to step up and take action by joining our first ever Step Up Virtual Run 2020, and inviting others to join as well. Because if we spread awareness one kilometer at a time, one day at a time, one person at time, then together we can make a difference.”

How to Join: 

1. To join, you may register at Takbo.ph, where you can select your preferred distance of 15k, 30k, 50k, or 100k. Registration lasts until November 30 only. 

2. We recommend you use Strava, Nike or Garmin to record and keep track of your time. If you wish to use a treadmill, you may do so provided that your time and distance will be indicated. 

3. Should you choose to run outdoors, always remember to practice social distancing and make use of the proper protective equipment.

For Tiktok Virtual Run Challenge 

1. Register on #StepUp4WDD Virtual Run via https://app.takbo.ph/all-races/step-up-virtual-run-2020 

2. Post a video while running on TikTok and tag 5 of your friends to join.

 3. Use this caption upon posting: I pledge to #StepUp4WDD in the fight against diabetes. I challenge @name1 @name2 @name3 @name4 @name5 to join. 

4. Use the following hashtags upon posting: #WorldDiabetesDay #SanofiPH #PanatangSanofi #DiabetesYourType

For more information on how you can join the Step Up For Diabetes Virtual Run 2020, log on to Takbo.Ph.

With the current situation that we are all facing, I think most us considers health as a very important thing to think about, but the problem is, its hard to look and go out to seek help from the clinics/hospital for a check up with the doctors. Gladly, I was able to attend a webinar lead by Sanofi that is really a big help for us now. Here are some insights during the webinar.

In its effort to build a healthier Philippines, Sanofi Philippines turned towards empowering mothers and spotlighting their critical role in managing their family’s health. The global pharmaceutical company recently launched their new campaign entitled Panatang Sanofi with the Pinay matriarchs at the heart of their advocacy.

“The mother is the cornerstone of the Filipino family. She is caring and selfless when it comes to attending to her family’s health,” said Amal Makhloufi Benchouk, Country Lead of Sanofi Philippines. “This is the kind of lifetime commitment we strive for in Sanofi as we build a healthier Philippines. There is no greater embodiment to our panata than our beloved mothers.”

Makhloufi was one of two speakers during the recently concluded online discussions entitled “Healthier/PH Sessions: Continuity of Care for a Healthier Philippines,” where she exchanged thoughtful dialogues and shared insights in front of an audience consisting of moms.

“As moms, we cannot afford to be sick or else who will take care of the family?” exclaimed Broadcast Journalist and the event’s moderator, Niña Corpuz. “A lot of us have to really be more proactive. It's really better to be informed and to be educated about potential health concerns so that we know that what we're doing is the best thing for our family.”

In response to the disruption that the pandemic has caused across the country’s healthcare system as well as a growing fear and apprehension towards seeking medical consultation for risk of contracting the virus, the Company has initiated programs in order to deliver better care.

The Company has reinforced its Empower Program—a program for patients with diabetes; as well as launching WeHealth, a program that aims to connect patients with doctors, at any time and place.

“What the Empower Program ensures, especially during this pandemic, is the continuity of care for persons with diabetes,” Makhloufi explained. “They will be provided with holistic care and linked to the appropriate healthcare experts who will stay in constant touch and even do weekly check-ins with the patient.”

Speaking on the recently launched WeHealth, the Sanofi Executive explained that the program is a proofpoint for the company’s unwavering commitment and panata to ensuring that families have access to the proper care they deserve.

“WeHealth is an e-Health Ecosystem that aims to connect Filipinos with their doctors or health service providers from the safety of your own home and this can be crucial during the pandemic because you’re eliminating the risk of exposure,” Makhloufi intimated.

“Even before the pandemic, Sanofi Philippines has been aiming to bridge the gaps that many Filipino families face when it comes to accessing consultation and treatment,” the Country Lead shared. “This is where we want to play a role and it’s part of our mission to build a healthier Philippines.”

Dr. Salvacion Garchalian of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines discussed the nature of Japanese Encephalitis and its effects on patients, Japanese Encephalitis is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia cause by the JE virus. Transmitted by the mosquito vector of the Culex species (mainly Culex tritaeniorhynchus), it exists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, pigs, and/or water birds.
The public is urged to pay special attention to symptoms to ensure early detection. The virus can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), leading to high fever, headache, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, and in sever cases, seizures, spastic paralysis, and coma.
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment  for this disease. JE is fatal in 20 to 30% of cases and among those who survive, 30 to 50%  suffer from permanent disabilities.
Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) have estimated that there are currently 3 billion people at risk for JE who are living in transmission risk areas, including 24 countries in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. JE usually occurs in rural and agricultural areas, with the disease occurring year-round in tropical countries. A local epidemiologic study showed that the virus circulates in all regions of the Philippines, including urban areas like Metro Manila, constituting a significant public health burden.
According to the WHO, the most effective way of reducing JE disease burden is through human vaccination. The WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has reviewed data on the different types of JE vaccines (inactivated, live attenuated, and live recombinant vaccines) and has found them to have acceptable safety profiles. Public health impact studies have also shown that JE vaccination is cost-effective. Local medical societies, including the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), have recommended that JE vaccination be give to those 9 months old and above. Other preventive strategies for disease control include bet nets, repellents, long-sleeved clothes, coils, vaporizers and mosquito control measures.
In light of the increasing reports of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the news and online media, the Food and Drug Adminsitration (FDA) and Sanofi Pasteur have come together to shed light about the nature of this disease and its prevention.
As of August 2017, the Department of Health has reported 133 cases of Japanese Encephalitis in the Philippines, nine of which resulting in death. As the public grows more aware of this mosquito-borne disease, the demand for the vaccine has also spiked. A recent advisory by the FDA warned the public against purchasing the vaccines online as these sellers are not authorized and safety of these online products has not been verified.


About the Vaccine
THe JE-chimeric vaccine (JE-CV), a live attenuated recombinant vaccine, was first licensed in the Philippines in 2013. The vaccine is produced by Vero cell culture, a cell culture technology recommended by WHO. Different clinical phase sutides have demonstrated its high immunogenicity and acceptable safety profile in both adult and pediatric populations. It is administered subcutaneously as a single dose for those 9 months and older. For individuals 9 months to 17 years of age, a booster dose is recommended 12 to 24 months after the primary dose. It is contraindicated for those with a history of allergy to the vaccine or any of its components, immunodeficiency, and to pregnant or lactating women, The public is advised to visit their doctors to know more about JE and how to prevent the disease.