232,890 vaccinated vs measles in BARMM

MANILA, Philippines —  At least 232,890 children aged six months to nine years in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been vaccinated against measles, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced yesterday.

At a press briefing, WHO country representative Rui Paulo de Jesus said the number of those vaccinated is 17 percent of the target population of 1.3 million in the region.

Up to 4,579 vaccinators have been mobilized for the campaign.

The Department of Health (DOH) and BARMM Ministry of Health started a massive immunization drive yesterday following the declaration of a measles outbreak in the region.

The vaccination campaign will run until April 12.

De Jesus said the WHO continues to work with the DOH at the central and municipal levels.

WHO regional director for the Western Pacific Saia Ma’u Piukala stressed that measles is one of the most contagious diseases.

Piukala said he sent letters to all health ministers in the Western Pacific region recommending an outbreak risk assessment and high quality vaccination aside from strengthening surveillance systems and capacities of countries for immediate response.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said vaccines are “investments that have priceless benefits for the long-term development of a healthy Bangsamoro.”