First leg of ‘Kontra Polio’ ends today

Despite initial logistical problems, the Department of Health is confident that it will be able to reach its target of 12 million children as the first leg of the Balik Patak, Kontra Polio campaign ends today.

"We have solved some logistical problems that cropped up earlier and everything is proceeding smoothly. We are confident that we can reach our target by the end of the first leg," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit said.

Latest figures show that the DOH has reached only 50 percent of its target with only today left to administer free oral polio vaccines (OPVs).

The second leg, where OPV drops will be given to children immunized during the first leg, is slated on March 2 to 8.

The DOH launched the nationwide immunization drive after three cases of polio surfaced in Cavite, Laguna and Cagayan de Oro City last year.

The situation alarmed the government, fearing that the Philippines might lose its polio-free status as earlier certified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dayrit, accompanied by officials of WHO, UNICEF and Rotary International, was in Davao City yesterday afternoon to administer OPVs to children in a Badjao community.