Anti-measles drive targets 350,000 kids in Western Visayas
The Department of Health, Region VI disclosed that around 350,000 children in Western Visayas are not protected against measles or "tigdas".
Dr. Ma. Salvacion dela Cruz of DOH VI said during the "Knock Out Tigdas 2007 Campaign"smeeting with various stakeholders here, that the disease is expected to spread if there is no decisive action, and for measles to be controlled, a high immunization coverage must be maintained over a long period of time.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by virus. It affects mostly children. It is easily and rapidly transmitted through air or direct contact. Children who suffer from measles may experience complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection, diarrhea and dehydration.
Dr. dela Cruz said that the Knock Out Tigdas is part of the country's continuing efforts to reduce deaths among children under five years of age.
She said that aside from the routine immunization activities in health facilities, special mass immunization campaigns must be conducted on a regular basis.
Starting October 15 to November 15, 2007, Dr. dela Cruz said that the door-to-door follow-up measles elimination campaign will be conducted nationwide. This is part of the government's continuing efforts to reduce children under-five mortality rate by two thirds by year 2015 as stipulated in the Millennium Development Goals of the World Health Organization.
On said period, some nine (9) million children in the countrywill be given measles vaccine (for 9-48 months old); Vitamin A capsule (6-71 months old); and deworming drugs for 12-71 months old.
The DOH urged the public and the national, local government units and partner agencies to to work together to make every Filipino child a fully immunized child. (T.Villavert/PIA)