Davao City recorded a total of 893 measles cases including 12 mortalities during the first four months of the year.
According to a cumulative report issued by the Department of Health 11 Davao Center for Health Development, the figures represent data gathered from January 1 to May 13, 2019.
Compared to the same period last year, there is a 18% decline in the number of cases reported.
“We are happy that parents are willingly volunteering to have their kids immunized and has since been supportive of our campaign”, Local Health Support Division OIC-Chief Dr. Raquel D. Montejo said during the USAPang Kalusugan media forum last Monday, 20 May 2019, at the DOH Davao Center for Health Development office.
Of the 6 provinces in the region, Davao City has the highest reported measles cases with 357 (8 deaths), followed by Davao del Norte with 191 (2 deaths); Davao Oriental with 141 (0 deaths); Compostela Valley with 97 (2 deaths); Davao del Sur with 89 (0 deaths) and Davao Occidental with 18 (0 deaths).
“We have a school-based immunization routine during August of every year”, Montejo added. Further, Montejo pointed that, aside from immunization, their agency is also continuing health education in terms of promoting the importance of vaccination.
This August, Grades 1 and 7 students will be given measles and tetanus shots. For Grades 2, 3, 5 and 6 students, measles shots will be given while Grade 4 students will be given both measles and HPV shots. This is applicable to all public schools of Region 11.
“Both the national and local agency has their own target. For us, Region 11, we have achieved a 72% vaccination target”, Montejo added. And this can be credited to the agency’s information dissemination drive.
Asked about the availability of vaccines, Montejo said that they cannot give the exact figure but the agency already received its full allocation from the national office. “Should there be additional vaccines needed, we can always request”, she added.
