MAKATI CITY — The Makati City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) recently convened its first-ever Public Health Updates on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (EREID), gathering physicians, division chiefs, program heads, and healthcare leaders from across the city. The forum served as a critical platform for strengthening Makati's public health infrastructure by equipping frontline health professionals with the latest information on infectious disease threats. Through this initiative, the city demonstrates its commitment to building a responsive, resilient, and evidence-based healthcare system capable of protecting the community from both current and future health challenges.
Expert Insights on Tuberculosis, HIV, and Emerging Viral Threats
A highlight of the program was the lecture delivered by Dr. Lorrie Suzette Urbano-Cruz, FPCP, FPSMID, an Infectious Disease Specialist from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). Her presentation provided key updates on Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, emphasizing the importance of strengthening disease surveillance, promoting early detection, and improving preparedness for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Participants also received timely updates on Mpox, Ebola virus disease, and Hantavirus, reinforcing the need for vigilance and a coordinated public health response across all levels of the healthcare system. The forum underscored the critical role of continuous education and collaboration among healthcare professionals in safeguarding community health.
Building a Resilient Healthcare System for Makati
The EREID forum is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of Makati's healthcare workforce and ensure that the city remains at the forefront of public health preparedness. By bringing together key stakeholders and subject matter experts, the initiative fosters a culture of proactive disease surveillance and rapid response. The city government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services, ensuring that every resident benefits from a system that is not only responsive to current health needs but also prepared for emerging threats. With initiatives like this, Makati continues to set the standard for public health excellence in the Philippines.
