DOH defends anti-measles drive

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines  – Dr. Egardo Gonzaga, regional director of the Department of Health yesterday said some Catholic priests are spreading false information to the public that the on-going anti-measles vaccination all over the country is giving negative effects to children, and is implemented mainly to control the population.

Gonzaga, in a radio interview, said this after Fr. Erby Dave Lajara, one the region’s famous pro-life advocate, declared the anti-measles immunization program of the government can cause sterility and based on studies, can cause autism to those who will receive the vaccine.

“We are not against the anti-measles vaccine because based on documents we have this program is only to control the population. Good if the health authorities are giving the right information about the side effects of the vaccination, so that people would know and choose what they want,” the priest said.

Lajara also expressed his readiness to disseminate information in relation to the alleged negative effects of the anti-measles vaccine.

“Yes I am ready to back up my statement from the research studies and documents regarding this. I am not a doctor, yes, but we have these documents for the people to be informed,” Lajara added.

He however admitted that their advocacy against Reproductive Health Bill and their concern about protection of the people’s health is not the official stand of the Catholic Church nor an official sanction to them as priests.

“Not that official sanction, but we are encouraged to tell the people what is true, so we can help the people be protected from illnesses,” he added.

Gonzaga clarified all DOH programs went through thorough studies, including the anti-measles vaccine, before they are allowed to be used.

“Napakamaling impormasyon ito, lahat na program ng DOH ay dumaan sa masusing pagsusuri at pinag-aralan muna, and that I am saying na walang basihan ang pinalalabas na impormasyon, but a false information,” Gonzaga stressed.

The health official also stated that the government of the Philippines and the World Health Organization coordinated their efforts to conduct an extensive anti-measles immunization on children aged nine years below as a way to protect them from infection.

“I cannot imagine na ang gobyerno natin ay maglalagay sa peligro ng atin kabataan at mamayan, nothing but the health care should go on, para makamit natin na ligtas ang pinas sa tigdas,” Gonzaga said. –(FREEMAN)