Mindanoatoday.com | DOH-10 calls for support in new measles-rubella vax campaign
By: Glacetene Kayl Daba
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health Center for Health and Development Northern Mindanao (DOH-CHDNM) called for multi-sectoral support in its resurgence of supplemental immunization vaccinations to combat measles, rubella, and polio infection among 0-59 month old children during the DOH Konsultayo series, held at SM City CDO Uptown here on April 14.
“Measles is not dependent on the weather or climate, maybe because the children usually go out during the summer to play and attend family gatherings. Maybe that’s why the cases are rising since measles is very contagious. If you have a cough or cold, the droplets from the saliva can transmit the disease,” said Dr. Angeli Caguioa, DOH-10 medical officer.
From May 2 to May 31, 2023, the department will hold a measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity.
They also aim to vaccinate about 500,000 children around the region in order to prevent an outbreak from happening and achieve herd immunity against the virus.
“In this campaign, there are three strategies: a house-to-house [visit], meaning the healthcare workers will conduct a house visit and knock on doors. The second strategy is the fixed post. The fixed post is where they’ll announce, for example, in the health centers or public and private clinics. And then the temporary posts, same with the COVID-19 vaccinations in the covered courts, checkpoints, and malls,” said Sherrace Brigolo, regional coordinator of expanded program on immunization.
If not treated properly, these diseases may result in certain complications in the future, such as swelling in the brain or encephalitis from measles, and rubella may cause congenital birth defects in pregnant women.
According to statistics provided by the DOH, there have been 64 cases of measles recorded in Region 10 from January to April, with Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Cagayan de Oro ranking as its top three hub spots.
The department encouraged local governments and partner organizations to join in eradicating vaccine hesitancy and information dissemination campaigns to prevent measles, rubella, and polio outbreaks. (GKND | PIA-10)
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