BUTUAN CITY – Twenty-nine children were inoculated against measles and polio during the launching of the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity Campaign (MR-OPV-SIA) in Claver, Surigao del Norte on Wednesday, May 3.
Top officials from the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development-Caraga led by Director Dr. Cesar C. Cassion and local officials led by Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee graced the launching along with representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Provincial Department of Health Office, and Rural Health Unit.
In his message, Cassion emphasized the importance of the local government units’ political commitment in achieving optimal immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Our local officials play a key role in this program,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the program will have a high coverage and urged the community to recognize the life-saving power of vaccines.
The successful launching of the MR OPV SIA campaign in Claver is a significant milestone in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, Cassion added.
With the continued collaboration between the government sectors and health organizations, we can expect more successful campaigns in the future, Cassion added.
National Immunization Program Coordinator Cherry Ann L. Paqueo expressed gratitude to the government sector for their support in making the MR OPV SIA successful.
She urged the parents who attended the launching to invite their community to get their children vaccinated as vaccines are critical in protecting children from life-threatening illnesses.