March 29, 2024
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN — The Department of Health and Abra Provincial Health Office led the measles, rubella, and oral polio vaccine supplemental immunization activity at the Bangued plaza covered court on May 2. — Contributed photo

BANGUED, Abra – More than 43,000 Abrenian children aged zero to 59 months are targeted for the Measles, Rubella, and Oral Polio Vaccines (MR-OPV) under the government’s National Supplemental Immunization (SIA) Campaign.

The local go-vernment unit of Bangued, in partnership with the Department of Health-Cordillera, Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), and other stakeholders recently led the provincial launching of the MR-OPV SIA dubbed as “Chikiting Ligtas 2023” at the Bangued Town Plaza.

The national immunization program aims to vaccinate all eligible population against measles, rubella, and polio.

For Abra, a total of 23,226 children are listed for OPV and 20,010 for MRV.

In Bangued alone, 8,365 children are listed for MR-OPV SIA.

PDOHO-Abra Head Lilibeth Martin underscored the importance of vaccinating all eligible individuals without leaving an individual behind.

 “We all know that we have our target population but we need to focus on vaccinating all children without leaving someone to prevent the transmission and the possible outbreak of measles, rubella and polio,” Martin said.

During the ce-remonial vaccination program, Bangued Mayor Mila Valera recognized the efforts of the DOH and the Rural Health Unit in their information and education campaign to gain the public’s trust on immunization programs.

 “They worked hard to educate and inform the people on the importance of vaccines, and if they’re aware of the benefits of vaccination, they are also willing to participate,” she said.

Jhanneah Grei Anquillano, a mother from Bangued, showed her support to the program by voluntarily submitting her 19-month-old child for vaccination.

Siya din kasi ang mag-suffer if hindi siya mabakunahan. Mas maigi na mabakunahan siya para protektado if ever magka-outbreak na naman,” she said in an interview.

The provincial launching was attended by DOH-Cordillera personnel led by Dr. Anabelle Bawang, the Provincial Health Office, Philippine Red Cross, Rotary Club of the Philippines, and other stakeholders. – Christian Allister Tubadeza