DILG enjoins LGUs to back DOH’s children vax drive

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government ( DILG) on Friday asked all local government units to fully support the Department of Health’s ( DOH) campaign to vaccinate children against measles, rubella, and polio.

According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, around 67 million children worldwide missed out entirely or partially on routine immunization between 2019 and 2021 due to the health crisis brought about by COVID-19.

The Philippines reportedly ranked second to the highest number of children with zero doses in East Asia and the Pacific region, and fourth in the world. From January 1 to March 18, 2023, the DOH has already recorded 225 cases of infection, a 369 percent increase from the same period last year.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. tapped the LGUs in ensuring the successful implementation of “Chikiting Ligtas” campaign, to provide the DOH an inventory of households with children under five years old and determine barangays with the highest number of eligible children.

Local officials were also asked to conduct orientations, information sessions, and town hall meetings in coordination with the DOH Center for Health Development, barangays, and Sangguniang Kabataan.

All LGUs were instructed to advocate the benefits of routine immunization and encourage local government employees with eligible babies, newborns up to 59 months old, to avail of the vaccination.

“The DILG supports and recognizes the DOH in its campaign to break, interrupt, and prevent the transmission of measles, rubella, and polio in the country. Through the concerted efforts and action of our local governments, we can be sure that the children in our communities are immunized against diseases that can be prevented through vaccination,” Abalos said.

He also called on all stakeholders to join the government efforts to protect the children against preventable diseases.

“Vaccines are free, safe, and effective in keeping our kids fit and safe. By keeping them up to date with routine immunizations, we are giving the younger generation a bright and healthy future,” the DILG chief said.