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On the occasion of World Polio Day
MANILA, October 24, 2020 – In commemoration of today’s World Poliomyelitis Day, UNICEF highlights the importance of vaccination to fulfill the fundamental right to health of all children. As the Philippines grapple with COVID-19 and another national round of the measles and polio campaign begins on October 26, UNICEF calls on all sectors of society to work together to ensure that all children are immunized.
Polio, a deadly viral disease that was once the leading cause of paralysis among children around the world, resurfaced in the Philippines in 2019. To date, there are 17 confirmed cases of polio in the country. As a result of immunization challenges before and during the pandemic, the number of unvaccinated children in the Philippines continues to rise, putting communities at risk of disease outbreaks and infant death.
UNICEF supports the Department of Health through the procurement and delivery of vaccines, the development of immunization guidelines, social mobilization, and capacity building for DOH and LGU staff across the country to plan and ensure that it is not lost. no child.
An essential pillar of UNICEF’s work with DOH involves risk communication and community involvement. As fear of COVID-19 infections and concerns about vaccines threaten full immunization coverage, UNICEF helps effectively communicate to parents and caregivers why immunization is important to children and what information is correct. and wrong.
“No child should suffer or die from a disease that can be prevented with a vaccine available for free. For the next campaign, take your children to vaccinate your children at the vaccination points. Arm yourself with the right information so your children can grow up healthy, ”says UNICEF Philippines Chief of Health and Nutrition Malalay Ahmadzai.
The National Measles, Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 MR-OPV SIA will take place from October 26 to November 25, 2020 in the regions of Mindanao, the Cordillera administrative region (CAR), the Ilocos region, the Cagayan Valley region, the of MIMAROPA and the Bicol region.
Phase 2 MR-OPV SIA will take place in February 2021 in the Visayas, National Capital Region, Central Luzon and CALABARZON Regions. Children ages 9 to 59 months will receive the measles and rubella vaccine, while children ages 0 to 59 months will receive the oral polio vaccine.
Healthcare workers receive personal protective equipment and are trained in infection prevention and control to prevent COVID-19 infections and ensure the safety of healthcare workers, parents and children.
Media Contacts
Niko Wieland
Head of communication
UNICEF Philippines
Tel: +63 917 867 8366
Email: [email protected]
Marge France
Communication officer
UNICEF Philippines
Tel: +63 917 858 9447
Email: [email protected]
