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Advocates Philippines
DOH Intensifies Vaccination Campaign As Measles Cases Surge In The Philippines
Photo credit: QC Mayor Joy Belmonte
Amid a concerning surge in measles cases across the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has launched an intensified vaccination campaign aimed at bolstering immunization rates among Filipinos. This initiative comes as the nation grapples with a significant uptick in measles infections, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced the proactive measures undertaken by the DOH during a report to the Task Force El Niño. Herbosa disclosed that the DOH has established a national Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) to coordinate response efforts with support from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the United States Center for Disease Control (USCDC).
The PHEOC, operational since March 13, is overseeing on-the-ground activities aimed at containing the spread of measles cases nationwide. Secretary Herbosa emphasized the implementation of a comprehensive strategy, including vaccination drives, community engagement, and risk communication, to mitigate the virus's transmission.
The DOH aims to vaccinate at least 90% of the high-risk population, focusing particularly on children aged 6 months to 10 years, to curb the measles outbreak. Additionally, a non-selective Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) strategy, alongside other supplemental immunization activities, is being deployed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In conjunction with vaccination efforts, Secretary Herbosa underscored the importance of respiratory precautions, drawing parallels with practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures such as wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and staying home when sick to mitigate the spread of measles and other respiratory infections.
Meanwhile, in response to the pertussis outbreak, Mayor Joy Belmonte assured residents of Quezon City (QC) that the local government is actively addressing the situation. Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Belmonte emphasized the need for swift action and collaboration among various agencies to contain the outbreak effectively.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced the proactive measures undertaken by the DOH during a report to the Task Force El Niño. Herbosa disclosed that the DOH has established a national Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) to coordinate response efforts with support from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the United States Center for Disease Control (USCDC).
The PHEOC, operational since March 13, is overseeing on-the-ground activities aimed at containing the spread of measles cases nationwide. Secretary Herbosa emphasized the implementation of a comprehensive strategy, including vaccination drives, community engagement, and risk communication, to mitigate the virus's transmission.
The DOH aims to vaccinate at least 90% of the high-risk population, focusing particularly on children aged 6 months to 10 years, to curb the measles outbreak. Additionally, a non-selective Outbreak Response Immunization (ORI) strategy, alongside other supplemental immunization activities, is being deployed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In conjunction with vaccination efforts, Secretary Herbosa underscored the importance of respiratory precautions, drawing parallels with practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures such as wearing masks, practicing hand hygiene, and staying home when sick to mitigate the spread of measles and other respiratory infections.
Meanwhile, in response to the pertussis outbreak, Mayor Joy Belmonte assured residents of Quezon City (QC) that the local government is actively addressing the situation. Speaking at a press conference, Mayor Belmonte emphasized the need for swift action and collaboration among various agencies to contain the outbreak effectively.
Mar 21, 2024
