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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippine Red Cross intensifies vaccine education efforts in Mindanao

Philippine Red Cross intensifies vaccine education efforts in Mindanao

Published Apr 17, 2024 05:59 am

After its wide-scale measles vaccination efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has also intensified its community-wide vaccination education in the region.

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(PRC volunteers on its way to isolated areas to disseminate information / Photo courtesy of PRC)

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 17, PRC said its volunteers have been going around in geographically-isolated areas with megaphones to disseminate information and distribute more education, and communication (IEC) materials for spreading awareness about vaccines and routine immunization.

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(PRC volunteers on its way to isolated areas to disseminate information / Photo courtesy of PRC)

This initiative, PRC pointed out, was a response to the “vaccine hesitancy” of parents, which has been identified by the Department of Health (DOH) as a major contributing factor to the high measles cases recorded in the country.

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/8/herbosa-flags-vaccine-hesitancy-as-an-obstacle-in-outbreak-response

PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard “Dick” Gordon stressed that the parents' hesitancy towards childhood immunization is a “health threat” to communities.

He added that this is also one of the factors that hinder Filipino children from living healthy and happy.

“We have to fight this threat through information dissemination and vaccine education. We are doing what we can to not only deliver information but to also ensure that communities understand vaccines and their crucial importance,” the chairman said.

From April 1 to 16, the PRC said with the help of vaccinators and volunteers, vaccinated over 15,651 children aged 6 months to 10 years old in Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato, and Basilan.

The organization has also reached 83 communities and utilized Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERVs) to reach children living in remote areas.

Gordon also highlighted the PRC's support to the government in their vaccination efforts by noting that the “government cannot do this alone.”

“Patuloy kaming magbabakuna hangga’t hindi natin nasisiguro na lahat ng bata, lalo na ang mga may edad anim na buwan hanggang sampu taong gulang, sa bansa ay ligtas at bakunado. (We will continue to vaccinate until we can ensure that all children, especially those aged six months to 10 years old in the country are safe and vaccinated,” he added.

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