On the Frontlines: Gordon and Herbosa Battle Leptospirosis with Red Cross and DOH

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

IN THE Philippines, a familiar enemy has reared its head once more—a scourge that rises with the floods, threatening lives and overwhelming our hospitals: leptospirosis. As the rain-soaked aftermath of Typhoon Carina lingers, a surge of this bacterial disease has brought the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) to the brink. Emergency rooms, designed to handle 60 patients, now grapple with twice that number, stretching the limits of both facilities and human endurance.

But in this crisis, the Filipino people are not alone. The Philippine Red Cross, under the steadfast leadership of Richard Gordon, has once again stepped into the breach. Gordon, a figure synonymous with resilience and compassion, has mobilized a 15-person medical team to support the overburdened NKTI staff. His assurance to NKTI director Dr. Rose Marie Liquete is a lifeline: the Red Cross stands ready to deploy medical tents and additional beds should the situation worsen. This is not the first time the Red Cross has acted as a bulwark against disaster, and under Gordon’s leadership, it certainly won’t be the last.

The history of leptospirosis in the Philippines is a grim one. This disease, borne of floodwaters contaminated by the urine of infected animals, has claimed countless lives over the years. Yet, each time, the Red Cross has been there, providing not just immediate relief but also long-term strategies to combat the disease. Gordon’s tenure has seen the organization become a pillar of hope in times of crisis—whether it’s responding to typhoons, earthquakes, or, as now, an outbreak of disease.

Yet, this battle is not one that the Red Cross or any single organization can fight alone. The Department of Health (DOH), under the capable stewardship of Secretary Ted Herbosa, has also risen to the challenge. Herbosa’s DOH has been vigilant, tracking the rise in leptospirosis cases and issuing urgent advisories to the public. The DOH’s recommendation for patients to seek treatment at other capable facilities is a critical measure, aiming to prevent further strain on NKTI and ensure that all patients receive the care they need.

The numbers are stark: 1,444 leptospirosis cases have been recorded this year, a figure that is mercifully lower than last year’s 2,505 cases. Yet, each case is a potential tragedy, and with 162 deaths already reported, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. This is why the DOH’s advice is not merely a suggestion—it is a call to action for every Filipino. The public must heed the warnings: avoid wading through floodwaters if possible, and if not, wear protective gear. This simple act could mean the difference between life and death.

In these dark times, it is heartening to see institutions like the Red Cross and the DOH taking decisive action. But their efforts will only be truly effective if the public listens and acts accordingly. We must not let complacency or misinformation undermine the fight against leptospirosis.

For those on the front lines—doctors, nurses, and emergency responders—the pressure is immense. We must support them, not just with resources but with our own vigilance and responsibility. The government should continue to provide clear, actionable information to the public, ensuring that everyone understands the risks and how to mitigate them.

To Richard Gordon, Ted Herbosa, and the countless others working tirelessly to stem the tide of this outbreak, we owe our deepest gratitude. But gratitude alone is not enough. We must all play our part in this battle against leptospirosis—by following the advice of health officials, by protecting ourselves and our loved ones, and by supporting the institutions that are fighting to keep us safe.

The waters may have receded, but the threat remains. It is up to all of us to ensure that this outbreak does not claim more lives than it already has. Let us stand together, vigilant and prepared, so that the next surge, whenever it comes, finds us ready.