Antique’s Expanded Program on Immunization reaches 90%
SAN JOSE, Antique – The Integrated Provincial Health Office reported a high coverage of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 2008 that covered 90% of children 0-9 months old.
“It is a big leap from the previous year’s accomplishment (2007) which is only 77%, however it, still fall short of the national target of 95%”, said Mildred Quilino, Information Officer PHO.
The Expanded Program on Immunization is one of the DOH Programs that has already been institutionalized and adopted by all LGUs in the region. Its objective is to reduce infant mortality and morbidity through decreasing the prevalence of six (6) immunizable diseases (TB, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles)
Children need not die young if they receive complete and timely immunization. Children who are not fully immunized are more susceptible to common childhood diseases, DOH noted.
Quilino also said that February 25 was declared a Special Immunization Day nationwide as part of the commitment of government to various international health goals geared towards elimination and control of most common preventable diseases that accounts the most of the deaths among the under-five children.
Barangay Health Workers (BHW), midwives, nurses, rural health physicians, barangay and municipal officials have done their best in reaching every barangay even in far flung areas especially low performing barangays on immunization to catch infants and children who missed the regular immunization, said the source.
The vaccines are free and effective, said Quilino and are available at the rural health units and hospitals in the province.
Health authorities urged local officials to support the expanded program on immunization to help the community eliminate preventable diseases. (PS Mabaquiao/PIA)