KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) is stepping up its immunization initiatives in the Soccsksargen region to ensure that all children under the age of 5 are vaccinated.
Recently, the DOH-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in the region hosted the 2nd Soccsksargen Immunization Summit, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
Regional Director Aristides Concepcion Tan of DOH-CHD Soccsksargen emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships and incorporating immunization into local health policies and healthcare systems to promote Universal Health Care.
“Today’s summit is a call to action to further strengthen the collaboration and partnership of stakeholders in our mission to immunize every child in the Philippines, especially in the Soccsksargen region,” Tan, who is himself a medical doctor, told participants and other stakeholders.
According to him, there is a need “to really incorporate the local health system as we aspire to the realization of Universal Health Care,” reiterating DOH commitment to improve immunization coverage of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The summit, themed “50th Year of EPI: A Dose of Hope,” brought together members of the Soccsksargen Regional Immunization Coalition (SRIC), which is the first regional immunization coalition of its kind in the country.
Participants included local government officials, civil society organizations, and development partners, as they pledged to help strengthen the National Immunization Program (NIP) to ensure that every child, especially those in remote and disadvantaged communities, receives vaccinations.
DOH data from 2024 indicates that the Soccsksargen region achieved a 64.3 percent fully immunized child (FIC) rate. While this rate reflects notable progress, it remains below the national target of 95 percent—the herd immunity necessary to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
To enhance LGUs in increasing immunization coverage, the DOH has launched the Protection Seal Certification Program, an incentive-based initiative that acknowledges local governments demonstrating high performance in immunization efforts.
The program seeks to enhance access, equity, and governance in immunization by establishing a target of at least 80 percent coverage compared to the previous year.
It also promotes accountability and fosters innovation in local health initiatives.
Dr. Achyut Shrestha, medical officer of World Health Organization lauded the region’s proactive initiatives such as zero-dose mapping and intensified outreach to indigenous and geographically isolated communities.
“Your commitment to zero dose mapping, intensified outreach to the indigenous population, and sustained effort in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas clearly demonstrate how equity can be translated into real action,” said Shrestha.
DOH also noted that the involvement of partners and stakeholders in the event highlighted the crucial role of local leadership, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration in achieving the goals of the Immunization Agenda 2030 and enhancing resilient health systems, especially at the local level. (AMB, PIA Region 12)
