May 5, 2023

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed all local government units (LGUs) in the country to fully support the Department of Health’s (DOH) Chikiting Ligtas project, a nationwide supplemental immunization campaign to vaccinate children against measles, rubella, and polio.

DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. instructed all the LGUs, considered as one of the key participants in ensuring the campaign’s successful implementation, to provide the DOH an inventory of households with children under 5 years old and determine barangays with the highest number of eligible children.

They are also directed to conduct orientations, information sessions, and town hall meetings in coordination with the DOH Center for Health Development, barangays, and Sangguniang Kabataan.

All the LGUs are also instructed to advocate for the benefits of routine immunization and encourage local government employees with eligible children (0-59 months old) to join the vaccination activities.

“The DILG supports and recognizes the DOH in its campaign to break, interrupt, and prevent the transmission of measles, rubella, and polio in the country. Through the concerted efforts and action of our local governments, we can be sure that the children in our communities are immunized against diseases that can be prevented through vaccination,” Abalos said.

He also called on all stakeholders to join the government’s effort of restoring protection of Filipino children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Vaccines are free, safe, and effective in keeping our kids fit and safe. By keeping them up to date with routine immunizations, we are giving the younger generation a bright and healthy future,” the Interior Secretary stressed.

The Chikiting Ligtas campaign is part of the Measles Rubella and Bivalent Oral Polio virus Vaccine Supplementary Immunization Activities (MR-BOPV SIA) aimed to accelerate catch-up on the number of children who missed out their routine immunization, whether partially or entirely, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/LGUs-Urged-to-Support-DOH-Chikiting-Ligtas-2023/NC-2023-1071