THE DEPARTMENT of Health, in partnership with UNICEF Philippines, National Youth Commission and Youth Peer Education Network Pilipinas, recognized 10 youth organizations for helping the government promote immunization.

The #KaBayanihan Youth Challenge supported by USAID asked youth-led organizations to help local governments with Covid19 and routine vaccinations for children. Young people from Cavite, Sorsogon, Western Samar, Basilan, Negros Oriental, Davao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, South Cotabato, and Antique banded together to support local officials, health workers and their fellow youth.

“Today, we showcase the different grassroots collaborations of local government units and youth partner organizations founded through the #KaBayanihan Youth Challenge, which have helped achieve great strides in protecting their various communities against Covid19 and vaccine-preventable diseases,” Health Secretary Teodoro “Teddy” Herbosa said.

The two-day activity showcased the innovative actions and meaningful contributions of youth organizations and their local government partners in increasing vaccine demand and uptake in their communities, especially among the elderly, children and adolescents, indigenous peoples communities, and other vulnerable groups.

Young people designed and conducted awareness-raising activities through film, community theater, social media, immunization caravans, and child-friendly materials such as storybooks.

“Through the #Kabayanihan youth challenge, young people were able to exercise their right to participate and make meaningful contributions to COVID-19 vaccination and childhood immunization in their communities,” said UNICEF Deputy Representative Behzad Noubary.

With the success of the program, the youth committed to continue activities tackling routine immunization, adolescent sexual reproductive health, and mental health and psychosocial support in their communities.

“Health is one area of participation where the youth can gainfully engage in. Hence, the #KaBayanihan Youth Challenge is a remarkable platform to realize this aspiration,” NYC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema said.