The United States has donated P24 million to bankroll the launching of the Philippines’ national immunization program against measles, rubella and polio.
In a statement released by the US Embassy, USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II joined Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Cavite Rep. Luis Ferrer IV and General Trias Mayor Antonio Ferrer to kick off the second phase of the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OVP SIA) at the General Trias City Medicare Hospital in Cavite on January 29.
The MR OPV SIA Phase 2, a follow-up to the Philippine government’s Phase 1 immunization campaign last year, will include the entire Visayas, Metro Manila, Central Luzon and CALABARZON regions.
Under this immunization campaign, the Philippine government aims to vaccinate 4.8 million children under five years old against polio, and 5.1 million children between nine and 59 months old against measles and rubella.
Through a partnership with UNICEF, the USAID assistance includes technical expertise, logistics support and community engagement for the vaccination campaign.
Hardy called on local leaders to support immunization programs and encouraged parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated against these life-threatening diseases.
“Our efforts to protect Filipino children from these diseases will enable them to attend school, participate in community activities and contribute fully to society,” Hardy said.
Duque said “Vaccination saves lives and prevents disabilities from such diseases. These vaccines can give our vulnerable children a good start at life so they can grow into healthy and productive adults. Above all, no child should be left behind.”