CEBU, Philippines — All local government units (LGUs) in the country are expected to give their full support to the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the success of the Chikiting Ligtas, a nationwide supplemental immunization campaign to vaccinate children against measles, rubella, and polio.
This came after Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. expressed their support to DOH on this campaign.
The Chikiting Ligtas campaign is part of the Measles-Rubella and Bivalent Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Supplementary Immunization Activities (MR-BOPV SIA) aimed to accelerate catch-up on the number of children who missed out on their routine immunization, whether partially or entirely, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The DILG supports and recognizes the DOH in its campaign to break, interrupt, and prevent the transmission of measles, rubella, and polio in the country. Through the concerted efforts and action of our local governments, we can be sure that the children in our communities are immunized against diseases that can be prevented through vaccination,” Abalos said.
Abalos then instructed all the LGUs to provide the DOH with an inventory of households with children under 5 years old and determine barangays with the highest number of eligible children.
LGUs had been directed to conduct orientations, information sessions, and town hall meetings in coordination with the DOH Center for Health Development, barangays, and Sangguniang Kabataan.
All the LGUs are also instructed to advocate for the benefits of routine immunization and encourage local government employees with eligible children (0-59 months old) to join the vaccination activities.
Abalos also called on all stakeholders to join the government’s effort of restoring the protection of Filipino children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Vaccines are free, safe, and effective in keeping our kids fit and safe. By keeping them up to date with routine immunizations, we are giving the younger generation a bright and healthy future,” Abalos stressed. — GMR (FREEMAN)