SP backs massive anti-measles drive

THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental is one with the provincial government in addressing the measles cases in the province.

The August body approved on Monday the resolution supporting the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the local government units in implementing the measles quick response activities to address the measles outbreak.

The SP has moved its regular session on Monday instead of Wednesday as the majority of its members are in Metro Manila for the Councilor’s League Convention, Third District Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III declared measles outbreak in five regions on February 7 due to the alarming rate of morbidity and mortality secondary to measles virus in the said regions.

The DOH in Western Visayas issued an advisory that stresses the necessity of enhanced catch-up immunization for defaulters of immunization, to interrupt measles transmission in hospitals and all health facilities, to strengthen Measles Surveillance and Advocacy and to conduct region-wide OPV Supplemental Immunization Activity in order to expeditiously and effectively address the outbreak.

It further stated that the Province of Negros Occidental is among the provinces largely affected by the outbreak as reflected in the data provided by the PHO and that the measles situation in the province necessitates all LGUS to convene their local Health Board at the soonest opportune time to implement the measles quick response activities.*