THE Department of Health (DOH) is looking to tap religious and indigenous people (IP) leaders to help government convince more people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to get vaccinated against measles.
The April 1-12 measles immunization drive is being conducted amid an alarming surge in measles cases in the Bangsamoro.
“Key activity may include engagement and advocacy campaign for leaders of other ministries, local chief executives (mayors, barangay chairpersons), Muslim religious leaders, indigenous peoples leaders, teachers, and school superintendents, and other local partners that can support and provide resources for the outbreak response, as well as amplifying the messages through their platforms and networks,” the DOH and the BARMM’s Ministry of Health said in a joint memorandum circular.
It said such engagements may include holding community town hall meetings, and group learning sessions.
Through such activities, the circular said, the public can be provided crucial information about the upcoming vaccination, help them understand the issue, and provide response to issues and concerns from parents and caregivers of eligible children.
During the actual immunization drive, the DOH and the BARMM-MOH said it would be good to have “nudging and incentive strategies, such as distribution of toys, snacks, and other items” for target vaccine recipients.
Another strategy, they said, is to gather the community in public places where temporary vaccination sites may also be established.
“Implementation of community events and launches, feeding programs, and similar gatherings, where vaccination sites can be placed, is also recommended,” the circular said.
