MANILA, Philippines — Logistics issues have affected the delivery and storage of COVID-19 vaccines in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), making it the region with the lowest vaccination rate, according to the Department of Health.
DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje cited “challenges” in bringing the vaccines to BARMM, particularly to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Cabotaje said BARMM provinces are far from each other, making transportation a challenge, especially with irregular flight schedules.
“Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are adjacent to Zamboanga... When we did not have much vaccines, they were using the cold facility in region,” she said.
Cabotaje said COVID vaccines for the three provinces could no longer be accommodated in Zamboanga because many other jabs for other illnesses would be arriving.
She said Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur also do not have a big cold storage facility for vaccine brands that require low temperature.
Cabotaje said power outages as well as “peace and order conflicts” are also hampering the vaccination drive in the region.
“We cannot give very large quantities of vaccines, although we are now trying together with BARMM and development partners to come up with strategies especially for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi,” Cabotaje said.
In its official Facebook page, the BARMM information office said health officials in the region have administered 100,100 doses for members of priority groups as of Thursday.
Health Minister Bashary Latiph said 71,846 individuals have received their first dose while 28,254 have been fully vaccinated.
Latiph said all of the region’s 24,428 frontline healthcare workers received their first dose while 14,315 got their second dose.
He said BARMM received 133,200 doses, 12,000 of which were were delivered this week.
Meanwhile, in Baguio City, Mayor Benjamin Magalong appealed for patience from residents as they await the replenishment of their vaccine supply.
Magalong said the city government procured 190,000 doses, of which 11,000 are expected to arrive this month, 18,000 next month and the bulk in September and October.
He said they also expect to get a substantial share from the national government as the city was among those included in the priority areas for vaccination. – Artemio Dumlao