Pinangunahan ng Department of Health (DOH), katuwang ang World Health Organization (WHO) at United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), ang paglulunsad ng ‘Chikiting Bakunation Days’, isang annual vaccination drive na naglalayong mabakunahan ang may isang milyong bata na hindi pa nakatanggap ng anumang routine vaccine sa World Immunization Week 2022.
Sa isang kalatas nitong Martes, iniulat rin ng DOH na mahigit kalahati ng vaccine-eligible children na ipinanganak ngayong panahon ng COVID-19 pandemic o nasa 1.4 milyong bata, ang wala pang natatanggap na kahit anong bakuna.
Gayunman, bago pa man anila ang pandemya, kabilang na rin ang Pilipinas sa nangungunang 10 bansa sa buong mundo na may malaking bilang ng mga under vaccinated o unvaccinated children.
Anang DOH, sa tulong ng Chikiting Bakunation Days, na isinasagawa sa buong bansa tuwing huling linggo ng Abril hanggang Hunyo, ang mga bata ay nabibigyan ng mga bakuna laban sa polio, measles, hepatitis B, pneumonia, at iba pang vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs).
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“We want to replicate the success of the COVID-19 National Vaccination Drives (NVDs) for routine childhood vaccinations. This is to help improve immunization coverage among the pediatric population. With the help of our stakeholders, we can ensure that vaccines are available, sufficient, and accessible to our local health facilities and communities. Together, we shall stop not only COVID-19 but also other potential vaccine preventable diseases and outbreaks,” ayon kay Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.
Nangako naman ang WHO at UNICEF na ipagpapatuloy ang kanilang suporta sa pamamagitan nang pagkakaloob ng resources sa vaccine management, research, at planning sa regional at national level, bilang hakbang upang maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng outbreaks sa bansa dulot ng nakakaalarmang pagbaba ng vaccination coverage.
“To reach every child with life-saving vaccines, we need investments in planning and monitoring, human resources, and targeted support for LGUs that are lagging behind. We stand together to make Chikiting Bakunation Days a success for children, and we commend the DOH for the initiative in taking the action in protecting the children,” ayon naman kay UNICEF Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.
Hinikayat rin ng WHO at UNICEF ang mga local leaders at health authorities na gawing accessible ang mga bakuna para sa mga bata.
Mungkahi rin nila na makatanggap ng komprehensibong suporta ang mga lugar na may mababang vaccination rates at mga lugar na prone sa outbreak upang makapag-organisa sila ng regular outreach services.
“Vaccines bring us closer to a world where future generations are protected from disease outbreaks and epidemics. We are making vital progress against today’s biggest health challenges, but we must ensure everyone, everywhere can benefit. Vaccines give everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue a life well-lived,” pahayag naman ni Dr. Rajendra Yadav, Acting representative ng WHO sa Pilipinas.
