As the world marks World Immunization Week, the Philippines grapples with measles outbreaks in the Bangsamoro region and pertussis outbreaks in parts of Luzon and Visayas. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of provinces and cities face high polio risk, posing significant threats to children’s health.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao launched a Measles Outbreak Response Immunization in early March after declaring the outbreak. By April 1, the region had already reported over 500 measles cases, a troubling number given the region’s aspirations for its children and future.
The extended outbreak response encountered challenges, including uneven vaccine coverage due to governance issues in some areas. Health workers faced intense heat from El Niño while conducting house-to-house vaccinations, and some encountered vaccine refusals and deferrals due to misconceptions and fatigue.
With regional parliamentary elections looming, the health of thousands of Bangsamoro children hangs in the balance. Beyond containing the measles outbreak, administering routine vaccines such as polio and diphtheria is crucial to achieving herd immunity and improving the region’s overall well-being.
“Immunization is a cornerstone of a robust health system,” emphasized UNICEF Philippines representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. “To address the outbreak, leaders must witness firsthand the challenges faced by families and health workers in the hardest-hit communities.”
To support efforts against measles and pertussis, UNICEF is facilitating the emergency procurement of two million vaccine doses, deploying immunization coordinators, cold chain managers, and social mobilizers, and engaging community leaders to tackle refusals. Additionally, measures like providing cold rooms to preserve vaccine potency are underway.
UNICEF anticipates the arrival of one million measles vaccines in the coming weeks, with another million expected in the months ahead.
To eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases, UNICEF urges national and regional governments to address both supply and demand challenges. On the demand side, strengthening community social preparedness, enhancing social listening, and intensifying engagement with community influencers are crucial.
