Manila, Feb. 27 -- Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday called for the immediate approval of a new dengue vaccine, warning that the government's current strategies may no longer be enough to contain the current surge in cases.

In a news release, Binay urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the evaluation of TAK-003, a dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda, which has already been licensed in over 40 countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, and members of the European Union.

"I think it's time we approve the new dengue vaccine. We need to ask the DOH and FDA about the status of its application because it was already submitted in April 2...