City Health Officer Dr. Arman Carrera, welcomes this report revealing that the City aims at least 95% accomplishment rate for this year’s conduct of immunization program. Among the key strategies CHO and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) employed are house-to-house information campaign a week before the October 26 formal launch, and a planned two-week map-up to personally reach children included in the their master list. According to BHWs, they also accommodate children who are not part of their list.

Assisted by DOH- Center for Health Development 1 personnel, Dr. Achyut Shrestha, Medical Officer of the Vaccine Preventible Disease Immunization of the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office Philippines, led the City’s Chikiting Ligtas supervision. Dr. Shrestha believes that the program was done very thoroughly as protocols and system were in place especially with the on-going challenge posed by CoViD-19 pandemic. He is certain that CHO will reach its target.

His office is mandated to facilitate technical assistance and support of the Philippines’ vaccination program, including its surveillance and monitoring in the local government unit (LGU).

The Nepalese doctor, who lives in the country for four (4) years now also expresses his gratitude to all frontliners for their hardwork during this pandemic. He believes that in any health concern, community should equally respond to all services supervised by the government. “The community has a role to play as well. The responsibilities of your own health and your children’s health is with the parents, the communities’ elders and the guardians.”, he added.

However, Dr. Shrestha sees the on-going pandemic as a reminder that diseases exist and complacency is not an option. Among his recommendations are obedience and vigilance of the community, getting proper care for health concerns, and following the recommendations and suggestions of governmental and international health organizations.

OPV and MRV immunization for children in #SanFernandoAyayatenKa continues to be facilitated until November 25, 2020. Concerned residents are advised to coordinate with their respective BHWs or barangay officials for specific details.

(Story by Jeddahn Rosario)
(Photos by Clifford Mercado)