Lapu-Lapu launches “Bakuna Recorida”

 CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City Government kicked off yesterday the “Bakuna Recorida” campaign in celebration of the World Immunization Week.

The campaign aims to achieve 100% immunization coverage for all eligible individuals in the city as well as encourage them to cooperate in alignment with the goal of Healthy Pilipinas and spread awareness about the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Dr. Agnes Cecile Realiza, head of Lapu-Lapu City Health Office, emphasized the significance of immunization and renewing the public's trust in safeguarding the health and well-being of every community.

“This is the first bakuna ricorida being implemented in Lapu-Lapu City. It is a time to renew public trust in the value of vaccines and build long-term support and awareness for immunization," said Realiza.

Roy Villarin, Development Management Officer of DOH-7, explained the rationale of the program and the importance of immunization and protecting public health.

“Atoa ning gi-celebrate para ma remind ang tanan that immunization is a vital service nga gikinahanglan sa mga katawhan in order for our citizens to be healthy," Villarin said.

City Councilor Emilio Galadoza, chairperson of the Committee on Health, also stressed the importance of public health and the well-being of the residents, as well as the newly proposed city ordinance regarding Bakuna Champ, which is an information drive to encourage vaccination and discuss its importance.

In line with this, the event culminated with a signing of commitment or a pledge of support to affirm the full commitment and cooperation to the campaign in combating vaccine-preventable diseases, which are highly contagious and infectious and pose a dangerous threat to the lives of people, particularly children.

Earlier on, DOH-CVCHD, in an effort to mitigate and curb the escalation of vaccine-preventable diseases, has emphasized the critical importance of vaccination against pertussis, measles, and other vaccine-preventable ailments.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, Regional Epidemiologist of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), discussed the correlation between low vaccination rates and the surge in vaccine-preventable diseases.

Cañal said it is imperative to elevate immunization coverage as part of the DOH's comprehensive 8-point action agenda in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

According to DOH, this comprehensive plan focuses on placing Filipinos at the heart of healthcare reforms, promoting community health, and strengthening healthcare institutions and health care worker welfare. (CEBU NEWS)