THE Department of Health (DOH), represented by Undersecretary Enrique A. Tayag and DOH-CHD-CAR Regional Director Rio L. Magpantay, led the Measles Rubella-Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) “Chikiting Ligtas” kick-off activity on May 2, 2023, at Malcolm Square, Baguio City.
With the City of Baguio having one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the Cordillera Region, Usec. Tayag challenged the city to accomplish the same achievement for the routine immunization of children ages 0-59 months against polio, and 9-59 months against rubella and measles.
He also pointed out that the Chikiting Ligtas immunization campaign is necessary for the protection of children. “Sa nakalipas na tatlong taon ng pandemya, unti-unting bumababa ang vaccination coverage sa ating bansa. Kaya kailangan natin itong supplemental immunization activity para sa gayun ang mga batang hindi pa nabakunahan ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon para mabigyan sila ng proteksiyon,” he said.
The activity was also attended by Baguio City officials led by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and SP on Health Betty Lourdes F. Tabanda, Health Services Office staff led by Acting City Health Officer Celia Flor C. Brillantes, and partners from Office of the Civil Defense, Girl Scouts of the Philippines Baguio Council, Rotary International Baguio South Chapter, Philippine Information Agency – CAR, and Youth on Point Inc.
They have pledged support and commitment to advocating the immunization program of DOH to help protect the community from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The MR-OPV SIA campaign will run from May 2-31, 2023, and by the end of the month, the region aims to vaccinate 95 percent of the target population which is equivalent to 155,991 for Measles-Rubella and 182,376 for Oral Polio Vaccine.
