31-07-2025
DOH, UNICEF launches app to digitize PH immunization records
The Department of Health, in partnership with UNICEF Philippines and funding from the government of Japan, has launched a digital application to aid in tracking immunization records of Filipino children on Wednesday.
Digivacc is a series of digital applications that aided in management of immunization data, allowing parents and health centers access a child's vaccination records without having to refer to paper-based trails.
'Digivacc stands not only as a platform, but as a promise—a promise of a more connected, more responsive, and more equitable immunization delivery system. Today, we launch an important innovation to enhance the digitalization of health information nationwide. This used to be just my dream, but now we are seeing the reality,' said DOH Assistant Secretary Gloria Balboa.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, DOH said they saw the need for real-time updates and records to help in creating more efficient solutions.
'With Digivacc, health workers on the ground are equipped with tools to record and track immunization data in real-time, ensuring no child is missed and every dose is accounted… More than the platform itself, Digivacc represents a shift in mindset from being reactive to pro-active, from fragmented paper-based systems to integrated digital health ecosystems, from manual data reconciliation to real-time data visualization that can save lives,' said Balboa.
Japan, who provided funding for the program, said that they will continue to support the Philippines in its goal for digital transformation in the health sector.
'Japan sees infectious disease as a global challenge that requires international cooperation, while also understanding that effective solutions must start as a community level… We believe when digital solutions outline the national priorities and implement them inclusively, they can accelerate progress towards sustainable development goals, especially ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, including our children,' shared Japan Embassy in the Philippines' Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi.
'Digivacc, our key initiative under this project, highlights the importance of collaboration, supporting public policy, encouraging community involvement, and using technology to help protect the health and future of every Filipino child… We are proud to support to project, and hopeful that it will close the gaps in the traditional immunization… Rest assured, the government of Japan remains committed to supporting initiatives that help build a stronger foundation for healthier communities now and for future generations,' he added.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative Ad Interim Edgar Danoso shared that they saw and acted on a clear mission of finding a better way for reporting and reforming childrens' immunization data.
'We vision our work where every child can grow up healthy and protected against diseases. When children are vaccinated, they perform better at school and contribute to nation-building… By digitalizing and interpolating our health systems, we unlock the culmination of data. We make it more transparent, timely and national. This is especially important when it comes to immunization,' he said.
Under Digivacc, groups have presented two component applications namely VaccTrace, which helps workers record and view immunization records wherever, and VaccCheck, where patients may view and track their child's immunization progress, as well as note when the next vaccinations should be.
The platform will have its initial deployment in 13 local governments nationwide.
Earlier, the Department of Health shared that they are targeting to immunize 95% of Filipino children within a year.
Complete and speedy vaccinations were among the health improvements that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for during his 4th State of the Nation Address. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
