The Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) wholeheartedly supports the routine and catch-up immunization program and the ongoing Bakuna Eskwela campaign, led by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd). This campaign is vital for ensuring the health and wellness of Filipino students through comprehensive vaccination efforts.
PHAP, a group representing the biopharmaceutical sector in the country, believes that vaccination programs play a crucial role in public health by preventing vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Vaccinations are one of the most effective public health interventions, significantly reducing the incidence of VPDs. Maintaining high immunization coverage in community & schools is critical to prevent outbreaks and control disease transmission. Furthermore, vaccination programs have been pivotal in reducing child mortality rates and improving overall community health, and continued support and expansion of these programs are essential to retain these positive health outcomes.
To enhance the effectiveness of vaccination initiatives, it is crucial to modernize programmatic efforts. Leveraging digital technologies can streamline vaccine distribution, schedule immunizations more efficiently, and ensure real-time tracking of vaccine coverage and efficacy. Modernized data systems can identify and address gaps quickly, ensuring no community is left behind. Integrating these advanced systems will not only improve the administration of vaccines but also build public trust through transparent reporting and accountability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a robust healthcare infrastructure, particularly in immunization. Since the pandemic, PHAP and its Members have been at the forefront of efforts to make COVID-19 vaccines and other life-saving vaccines available in the country amidst lockdowns, trade restrictions, global demand, and political instabilities.
Learning from this experience, it is evident that strong public-private partnerships can accelerate vaccine development and distribution. The pharmaceutical industry plays a pivotal role in researching, developing, and supplying vaccines. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies are essential to ensure rapid responses to emerging health threats.
Expanding vaccination coverage to include new VPDs such as dengue, shingles, invasive meningococcal disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a critical step forward. Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease prevalent in tropical regions like the Philippines, poses a significant health risk, and introducing a dengue vaccine can mitigate outbreaks. Shingles vaccination is crucial for the elderly, reducing the incidence and severity of this painful condition. Invasive meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection that can lead to severe complications, requires vaccination to protect at-risk groups, especially children and young adults. RSV, a common cause of respiratory infections in infants and the elderly, can greatly benefit from a vaccine, reducing hospitalizations and severe outcomes. The Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to HPV-related cancers including cervical cancer which the second most common cancer among women. Currently, the government is implementing a vaccination program for 9–14-year-old girls from public schools. Introducing and expanding the coverage of these new vaccines can help ensure comprehensive protection for the Filipino population.
