5 days ago
Health advocates urge faster vaccine rollout for preventable diseases
Health advocates on Tuesday called for a faster rollout of vaccines for preventable diseases.
In a statement Tuesday, senior citizens' organization Bayan Bakuna raised the need to 'fast-track procurement' following increased cases of certain diseases.
'The World Health Organization (WHO) has already flagged the Philippines for a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases… We urge the government to fast-track procurement, as millions of Filipinos depend on timely access to free vaccines for protection,' said Bayan Bakuna Lead Convenor Dr. Mikaella Jeleene Salinas Asoy.
Bayan Bakuna notes that there were 2,068 measles cases recorded from January to May 2025, while only 61% out of the 95% target of eligible children have been fully immunized as of January 2025.
The group said that even if the country was no longer part of the top five countries with the most zero-dose children, efforts must be made to sustain the number.
Bayan Bakuna said is looking forward to expedited vaccine procurement following President Ferdinand Marco Jr.'s order for targets in childhood immunization to be met.
'Timely vaccine delivery is critical to keeping our communities protected… By ensuring vaccines reach our communities on time, we ease the burden on hospitals and safeguard high-risk groups from preventable illness,' Asoy said.
'We also encourage the public to ask their local health centers about available free vaccines, so they can protect themselves and their loved ones as soon as supplies arrive, she added. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
