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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH receives P145.5-M grant for childhood immunization from UNICEF, Canada

DOH receives P145.5-M grant for childhood immunization from UNICEF, Canada

Published Feb 27, 2024 08:03 am

The Department of Health (DOH) has secured a substantial funding boost of P145.5 million (CAD$3.4 million) from the Government of Canada, marking a strategic alliance with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to bolster healthcare accessibility and vaccination efforts in the country.

IMG-45d24a2757e343bb32ce993b8024094d-V.jpg
Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines David Hartman, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov signed a P145.5 million (CAD$3.4 million) partnership to integrate Covid-19 vaccination, routine immunization, and proven approaches that make quality primary health care accessible for people in the Philippines. (Photo from UNICEF Philippines/2024/G. Salvador)

In a statement on Tuesday, Feb. 27, DOH said the partnership aims to integrate Covid-19 vaccination, routine immunization, and proven healthcare approaches to ensure quality primary healthcare reaches all Filipinos.

It also said that priority will be given to provinces and cities with the highest number of children lacking childhood vaccines and those requiring Covid-19 booster shots.

Meanwhile, based on the DOH data, only 60 percent of Filipino children have received full immunization against childhood diseases, leaving millions vulnerable to outbreaks of measles and polio.

The partnership strives to bridge this gap by targeting areas such as select municipalities in Antique, Davao Del Norte, Sarangani, General Santos City, and the Special Geographic Area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the DOH said.

“Our collaboration with UNICEF integrates Covid-19 vaccination and routine immunization, prioritizing areas with the highest number of unvaccinated individuals,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

He also expressed gratitude for Canada's generous support, emphasizing the joint effort's aim to achieve 95 percent vaccination coverage, particularly in reaching zero-dose children.

Moreover, the DOH said that the collaboration adopts a gender-responsive approach to address socio-economic and cultural disparities, ensuring equitable vaccine access for all.

During the event, Herbosa, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, and UNICEF Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative, joined by regional and local officials.

Related Tags

UNICEF Immunization program DOH
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