DOH-6 lauds Bacolod’s measles, polio immunization efforts

BACOLOD City – The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6) commended this city’s immunization efforts under the “Chikiting Ligtas” region-wide campaign.

In its evaluation report on Monday, DOH-Region 6, through Regional Coordinator Adrian Hort Ramos lauded the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) for observing the COVID-19 Referral and Triage protocols in conducting the vaccination activities.

“Chikiting Ligtas” – which runs from February 1 to 28 – is a health campaign for the Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization of the DOH.

According to Ramos, the practice of providing health declaration cards for both the parent and the child participating in the immunization in Bacolod is “very good” as it is in accordance with the COVID-19 Referral and Triage protocol.

“It can help with our infection control. The caregivers were properly wearing face masks and face shields. Proper coordination with the barangay was conducted to ensure sufficient space for the vaccination teams and mobilization of barangay tanods in the vaccination flow.”

Information-Education Campaign (IEC) materials aimed at limiting the number of people staying at the vaccination sites were also distributed. These IEC materials also contained contact information of the caregivers.

“Involvement of the barangay officials was highly visible in all areas. There was also provision of transportation assistance and food assistance for the vaccinators,” Ramos added.

“Chikiting Ligtas” aims to immunize 95 percent of all children aged 9 to 59 months with Measles-Rubella vaccines, and all children under 5 years old with Oral Polio vaccines.

“The vaccination campaign acts as preventive measure that guards our children from contracting these highly contagious diseases that lead to grave complications including permanent disability,” said DOH-6 regional director Dr. Emilia Monicimpo.

“In our fight against these vaccine-preventable diseases, we need to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.” (PIO)