AS CHILDREN return to school during the rainy season and amid a dengue outbreak in Iloilo, health experts and representatives from regional and provincial health offices gathered at the Regional Health Connect Media Forum to emphasize the urgent need for timely childhood immunization.

Experts also raised concerns about the increased risk of water-borne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue — collectively referred to as “W.I.L.D.” diseases — that are more prevalent during the rainy season and pose significant threats to children in school settings.

The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) in Western Visayas reports that while Iloilo’s immunization coverage is currently between 60% and 70%, there is a significant opportunity to enhance these efforts and reach the 95% target. As of July 2024, Iloilo province had achieved 37.99% coverage, and Iloilo City had reached 38.85%, underscoring the need for further improvement.

This situation presents a critical opportunity to prioritize and strengthen childhood immunization efforts against preventable diseases, ensuring a healthier future for our communities.

In response, Dr. Jose Atienza, Immunization Program Coordinator for DOH CHD Western Visayas, outlined intensified efforts to boost vaccine coverage to 95% in Iloilo. These efforts include localized policy support, information campaigns, additional personnel, ‘bakuna champions,’ and logistical, financial, and transportation support.

To further address the immunization gap, Dr. Atienza announced the resumption of a school-based immunization program this October, in collaboration with LGUs and DepEd. The program will provide measles-rubella and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines to Grade One and Grade Seven students. Emphasizing the importance of parental involvement, he stated, “It is important to vaccinate our children because, once again, our vaccines are free, safe, and most effective.”

Building on this, Dr. Rodney R. Labis, Provincial Health Officer I from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, highlighted the need to strengthen local health systems through robust policies, funding support, agency collaboration, effective health promotion, disease surveillance, skilled health professionals, and the availability of vaccines and medical supplies. “By focusing on these strategies, we aim to fortify our local health systems to prevent and control diseases and outbreaks in schools and communities,” Dr. Labis emphasized.

Echoing the urgency, Mr. Teodoro Padilla, Executive Director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), stressed the critical role of vaccination in protecting children. “Vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions. It is crucial to vaccinate children during this critical period to prevent school outbreaks, reduce absences, and ensure educational continuity,” he said.

Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), underscored the importance of ensuring vaccine availability to meet immunization goals. She noted, “We can only achieve a high vaccination coverage rate if the vaccine supply is available at the health centers. Without the vaccine at the time of visit, it is always a missed opportunity to vaccinate.”

Further emphasizing the importance of vaccination, Dr. Hector Santos, President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), urged parents to prioritize vaccination. “There is nothing more vital than safeguarding children’s health with vaccines that prevent serious diseases,” he stated.