TACLOBAN CITY - In a bid to protect children against common Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs), the Provincial Health Office of Northern Samar Province will hold a month-long Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) in May. The immunization activity is targeting a province-wide population of 73,835 children for Measles Rubella and 85,776 for Oral Polio Vaccine. Local health professionals in a preparation meeting on Wednesday, April 19, reiterated the need to arrest the increasing cases of measles (Tigdas) in the province. The meeting served as a platform for collaboration among stakeholders to mobilize resources, clarify the coordination process, and coordinate strategies towards a successful MR-OPV SIA Campaign which will start on May 2 and will last until May 31, 2023. Children ages 9 months to 59 months old need to be vaccinated with one dose of Measles-Rubella vaccine (Tigdas Hangin), and 0 to 59 months old against polio virus type 1 and 3 with one dose of bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine. Doctor Rommel Francisco, the Provincial Health Officer emphasized that measles and other VPDs are contagious and fatal. “With highly effective medical interventions such as the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccines, it is guaranteed that the spread of these diseases in our respective communities will be prevented,” he pointed out. Francisco then asked for the cooperation of everyone for the success of this month-long activity. He said the program is in line with the health priorities of Governor Edwin Ongchuan to ensure healthy, progressive and happy Nortehanons as reflected in his development agenda.