- GILBERT BAYORAN
Negros Occidental leads in Western Visayas in the Department of Health Chikiting Ligtas 2023 campaign, after the Provincial Health Office immunized 194,177 children five years old and below, which is 87.24 percent of its 222,590 target, as of May 31.
The DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development, however, extended the supplemental immunization activity until June 16, after they failed to reach its 95 percent target to achieve herd immunity against measles, rubella, and polio.
The month-long immunization activity was supposed to end May 31.
Among the 31 component cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental, only eight local government units managed to reach the 95 percent target, with Murcia as the top performer at 105.16 percent accomplishment.
It was followed by Himamaylan City, 103.88 percent; Silay City, 101.71 percent; Talisay City, 99.14 percent; Kabankalan City, 97.18 percent; La Castellana, 95.68 percent; Candoni, 95.57 percent; and Moises Padilla, 95.47 percent.
Iloilo trailed Negros Occidental in the supplemental immunization campaign, followed by Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Antique, Aklan, and Bacolod City.
Overall, Region 6 has a 77.15 percent accomplishment in the supplemental immunization activity.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded the accomplishment of the PHO, under the leadership of its acting head, Dr. Girlie Pinongan./GB
