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Gatchalian: LGUs must ramp up vaccination programs

Philippines | National

Gatchalian: LGUs must ramp up vaccination programs

By Hannah L. Torregoza

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday, September 19 called on local government units (LGUs) to aggressively campaign their vaccination programs to increase immunization coverage and prevent the outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Gatchalian made the call after the Department of Health (DOH) reported that one million children in the Philippines under the age of one remain unvaccinated.

The agency, likewise, said the Philippines ranks among the 10 countries with the lowest immunization rate of children in the world.

DOH officials have also warned of a possible measles outbreak if immunization rates remain low.

Though the DOH has said it is working with medical societies and pediatric doctors’ groups, the lawmaker cited the role of LGUs in making ensure vaccination programs are effectively carried out.

“Maraming beses nang napatunayan ng agham na ligtas at mabisa ang mga bakuna laban sa pagkakasakit (It has been proven by science that vaccines are safe against any illnesses)," Gatchalian said.

"Kaya naman sa tulong ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, dapat nating tiyakin na ang ating mga programa para sa pagbabakuna ay maabot lahat ng mga sanggol (That's why, with the help of our local government, we need to make sure these programs can reach all children),” the senator said.

He also cited the government’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) which is tasked to reach out to barangays to improve access to routine immunization.

The senator further reminded LGUs of their role under the Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011 (Republic Act No. 10152), which mandates them to provide free and mandatory basic immunization for infants and children up to age five.

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