• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Several local government units in Negros Oriental and Siquijor were recognized for their immunization programs, coverage, and efficacy, during the Central Visayas 2024 Regional Immunization Summit in Mandaue City, Cebu recently.
The Department of Health recognized Dumaguete City as Top 2 Performing LGU for the 2023 Fully Immunized Child under the Big Population category, and was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for its invaluable contribution in the implementation of the National Immunization Program and COVID-19 vaccination in the region.
In his letter to Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, DOH7 director, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, said the Dumaguete City Health Office is recognized for vaccinating the children population against preventable diseases, thus reducing mortality and morbidity.
Dumaguete was only one percentage point behind the Top 1 Performing LGU, which is the municipality of Minglanilla in Cebu, the city said.
Remollo commended the CHO, headed by Dr. Maria Sarah Talla, as well as doctors, nurses, midwives, and barangay health workers “for their dedication in consistently and methodically vaccinating for free the target children population against tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, influenza B, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella.
Bernadas said that with decades of hard work and collaboration with partners and stakeholders, the Philippines, through the DOH, has achieved the polio-free and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination status.
Dumaguete achieved a 75.55 percent immunization rate, out of its target of 2,322 children.
Mabinay logged 75.40 percent of its 2,203 target, placing third in the middle category, while Dauin immunized 71.40 percent of its target population of 528 children, the Philippine News Agency said.
DOH-Negros Oriental development management officer V Jennifer Remollo said Sept. 17 that Dumaguete placed second in the large population category, while Mabinay and Dauin ranked in the middle and small population categories, respectively.
Bakuna champions were also awarded during the regional summit attended by local officials and healthcare workers.
In Negros Oriental, the awardees are the LGUs of Amlan, Ayungon, Bacong, Bais, Basay, Bayawan, Bindoy, Canlaon, Dauin, Dumaguete, Guihulngan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Pamplona, San Jose, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Sibulan, Tanjay, Tayasan, Valencia, Vallehermoso, and Zamboanguita.
In the island province of Siquijor, the Bakuna champion awardees were the LGUs of Siquijor, San Juan, Maria, Lazi Larena, and Enrique Villanueva. | CGC
