In January 2016 Philippines health secretary Janette Garin announced the country would immunize one million children with a new dengue vaccine. At the time, the nation boasted it was a world-first and a tribute to the country’s “expertise” in research. Almost two years later, the program lies in tatters and has been suspended. This after the French drug firm Sanofi said at the end of last month the vaccine itself can cause severe dengue in recipients not previously infected by the virus.
