DOH to achieve anti-measles goal
Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed optimism that the 95 percent Anti-Measles Campaign target goal can be achieved after the reports coming from various regions of the country shall have been consolidated.
Secretary Duque reported that only 91 percent or 7.9 million of the targeted 8.6 million children were vaccinated against measles nationwide.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by virus. It affects mostly children. It is easily and rapidly transmitted through air or direct contact. Children who suffer from measles may experience complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection, diarrhea and dehydration.
The government's campaign against measles dubbed "Knock-Out Tigdas" was launched October 15 to November 15, 2007.
"The 95 percent goal can still be achieved as more reports from the regions are being consolidated," said Secretary Duque as he take note that the anti-measles drive has been extended twice due to the recent typhoon that rendered, many places isolated and hard to reach, and conflicts in some areas.
The health secretary said that the Autonomous Regions for Muslim Mindanao reported the highest coverage of 97%. Other regions that posted above 90% coverage are Central Luzon and CALABARZON or Region IV-A, both with 96%; Northern Mindanao-94%; NCR-93%; Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and SOCCSARGEN, all with 92 percent. Lowest coverage were in Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA or Region IV-B and Bicol regions with 84 percent.
The World Health Organization will validate all the reported measles coverage before the country can be declared measles-free in 2008.
Meanwhile, the Western Visayas eefort in the campaign was recorded at 95% for children vaccinated with anti-measles, 85% for children provided with Vitamin A supplementation, and 79% for children provided with de-worming tablets.
The DOH in Western Visayas noted in their December 15 report that the provinces of Negros Occidental and Capiz have submitted partial reports. (PIA)