The Department of the Interior and Local Government encouraged the local government units to be its proactive partners in the conduct of nationwide free supplemental immunization campaign dubbed as “Chikiting Ligtas” to vaccinate children against measles, rubella, and polio.
“The Rubella, Polio, and Measles Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) is a critical public health initiative that requires the support and assistance of our LGUs to ensure its success in our region,” said DILG-Cordillera Director Araceli San Jose.
“We are encouraging our LGUs to mobilize community support by engaging with barangay officials, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of the SIA and the importance of vaccination. They can also provide logistical support by coordinating with health facilities and personnel to ensure that there are enough vaccines, syringes, and other supplies for the SIA,” she added.
San Jose said LGUs can assist in identifying high-risk areas where children are more vulnerable to these diseases so they can prioritize vaccination efforts in these areas and ensure children receive the required doses of the vaccine.
She underscored by working closely with health workers and other stakeholders, LGUs can provide critical support and assistance to the conduct of SIA.
San Jose said vaccinating children is critical for maintaining public health and safety. It is a responsible decision that benefits not only the individual child but also the entire community.
“By vaccinating our children, we can protect them from a wide range of infectious diseases and prevent the spread of those diseases to others in the community. Vaccines can also help prevent the emergence of new strains of viruses and bacteria, which could be more dangerous and harder to control,” she said.
“As parents, we desire safety for both our kids and the community as a whole. Because children are the future generation of the Filipino people, it is crucial that they receive vaccinations. If we consider the likelihood that our children would contract the disease, we will not be at peace,” she said.
San Jose added it is essential that parents and guardians participate in this program by bringing their children for vaccination and ensuring they receive all the recommended doses. By doing so, they are not only protecting their children but also contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.
“Let us all work together to ensure the success of this program and protect our children from these preventable diseases,” she said.
Chikiting Ligtas 2023 aims to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases that is crucial in achieving herd immunity and redu-cing the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases in the communities. – Press release
