US gives P24M for Philippine vaccine drive against measles, rubella, polio

The United States has donated over P24 million for the Philippine immunization effort against measles, rubella, and polio.

In a statement on Friday, the US Embassy said the US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Philippine government and other development partners to launch the second phase of the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity.

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.

For its target, 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, USAID assistance includes technical expertise, logistics support and community engagement for the vaccination campaign.

USAID Philippines mission director Lawrence Hardy II joined representatives from the Philippine government, including Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Cavite Rep. Luis Ferrer IV and General Trias Mayor Antonio Ferrer to launch the national campaign at the General Trias City Medicare Hospital in Cavite on Friday, January 29.

“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,” Duque said.

On the other hand, 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. —LBG, GMA News