by: Rodrigo S. Victoria
NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) aims achieve over 95% in Measles, Rubella (MR) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) coverage for its mass immunization campaign from September 1-30, 2014.
The health department on Monday, September 1, launched the nationwide Measles-Rubella-Polio immunization campaign dubbed “Ligtas sa Tigdas, Magkaisa, Magpabakuna”.
Naval Mayor Susan Parilla and Vice Mayor Redentor Villordon lead in the ceremonial “patak” (drop) of the polio vaccine during the kick-off of the monthlong “Measles- German measles-Polio vaccine” mass immunization at the Municipal grounds on Sept. 1, 2014 after the flag ceremony and opening program. (fj)
The objective of the month-long mass immunizations is to interrupt transmission of measles and to protect the population from the consequences of importation of wild polio virus.
DOH targets to cover an estimated 11 million children 9 months old to under 5 years old for the MR vaccine and to cover an estimated 13 million children at birth up to under 5 years old for the OPV vaccine regardless of previous vaccination status.
DOH also ensures that no children in high risk communities are missed, document routine immunity gaps and re-establish the health service delivery in disaster areas.
The health department learned in a situational analysis that despite continued efforts, measles outbreaks encountered in many parts of the country in 2013 and early 2014.
The DOH detailed analysis also revealed the variation in subnational for the 1st dose measles vaccination; slow uptake for the MCV2; large birth cohort of 2.7 million leads to quick accumulation of susceptibles and densely populated in many areas, immunization coverage in 2011 campaign was not high and uniform from area to area; series of major disasters in December 2012 to end of 2013 affected some regions; with significant damage to general infrastructure; health facilities, staff capacities and service implementation; and widespread domestic population movements which is further aggravated by disasters.
Meanwhile, the local government officials of the eight towns including the provincial government officials in the province of Biliran launched on September 1 the MR and OPV mass immunizations with health personnel in each respective rural health units and parents with their children covered by the mass immunizations in attendance. (PIA 8 Biliran)
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