THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) and the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao will conduct another round of synchronized polio immunization drive from July 20 to Aug. 2.
Dr. Annabele Yumang, DOH XI regional director, said the campaign aims to ensure that all children below five years old are protected against the disease by giving them two drops of the Oral Polio vaccine (OPV), regardless of their immunization status.
She said that they were pleased with the response of the public and the cooperation of the local government units, as well as the civil sector, in their previous polio immunization campaigns. She also credited the barangay health workers and the volunteers for allowing them to reach their targets.
“These people have provided so much support to our campaign to stop poliovirus from spreading, ” she said.
“We will not stop vaccinating our children until we have evidence that the transmission of the poliovirus has been contained,” she added. “We need to sustain our synchronized efforts for us to successfully stop the transmission and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.”
The regional health department again reminded parents and caregivers of children below five years old that they are the most vulnerable sector to this disease, which may result in life-long paralysis and even death.
“Polio has no cure,” Yumang added. “However, this can be prevented by full vaccination against poliovirus.”
