Ilocos LGUs exceed target in Chikiting Ligtas drive
THE Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Region commended eleven local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Sur who have already exceeded their 95% targets for the ongoing Measles-Rubella Oral Polio Vaccination Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) or the “Chikiting Ligtas 2023.”
The municipality of Sto. Domingo achieved 116% (or 2,074 children vaccinated out of the 1,786 targets); Magsingal has 114.77% (or a total of 2,487 were vaccinated out of the 2,167 targets); Bantay with 104.60% (or 2,662 vaccinated out of 2,545); Tagudin with 100.11% (or 2,779 out of the 2,776).
Santa with 99.88% (or 858 out of 859); Caoayan with 99.59% (or 1,210 out of 1,215); San Ildefonso, 98.91% (or 455 out of 460); City of Candon, 98.38% (4,187 out of 4,256); Santa Lucia, 96.90% (1,657 out of 1,710); Alilem 95.80% (433 out of 452); and Santiago with 95.55% (1,137out of the 1,190).
“The successful accomplishment of these LGUs was due to their steadfast commitment and strong support including all stakeholders involved in the vaccination activity. Ipagpatuloy pa po natin ang pagbabakuna sa mga batang 0-59 months old at huwag tayong huminto hanggang lahat ay nabigyan na ng bakuna,” Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz stated.
He added that the house-to-house campaign is very effective as parents and caregivers are the ones bringing their children out for vaccination.
“Mayroon pang ginigising ang anak at inihahabol sa mga vaccinators upang mabigyan ng bakuna. Parents are now more aware of the effectiveness and safety of vaccines kaya sila na mismo ang nagkukusa na ipabakuna ang kanilang anak for their health and well-being dahil alam nila na wala pang gamot ang measles at polio at ang bakuna lamang ang tanging paraan upang makaiwas sa mga ito,” he explained.
“Every health program’s success relies not only on the technical expertise and mobilization of health workers kasama dito ang malaking suporta mula sa ating mga lokal na pamahalaan at sa pangunguna ng ating mga governors, mayors, at local leaders na siyang nangunguna at nagpapatupad ng mga programa sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” he stressed.
Ilocos region has already accomplished a total of 65.88% (274,558 out of 416,762) for measles and 64.90% (123,699 out of 190,603) for oral polio immunization as of May 1, 2023 to May 18, 2023 according to the unofficial quick count being conducted by the DOH regional office.
Albornoz reiterated the call for parents and caregivers to have their 0-59-month-old children vaccinated against measles for their protection.
“Ang mga bakuna po natin sa measles, rubella at polio at safe at sigurado kaya tangkilikin po natin ang mga ito para sa kaligtasan at kalusugan ng ating mga anak,” he emphasized.
