MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 12 (PIA) --- The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in Lanao del Sur, in collaboration with the municipal government of Ditsaan-Ramain, successfully launched on Monday the month-long, door-to-door measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MRSIA) in Barangay Poblacion of the said town.
Dubbed as “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas”, this nationwide campaign, scheduled April 4 to May 4, this year is aimed at eliminating measles by 2012 and accelerating the control and prevention of German measles, otherwise known as Rubella, through immunization of children aged nine (9) months and below eight (8) years old, regardless of their immunization status.
In Lanao del Sur, however, the campaign runs from April 11 to May 11, Dr. Alinader Minalang, IPHO chief, said.
He said measles has become a serious health concern because its complications could be fatal and could lead to death especially among children and urged the municipal and barangay officials to help in the wide dissemination of the program and to convince their constituents to have their kids vaccinated against measles.
He also advised parents to submit their eligible children for vaccination even if they have previous measles vaccinations citing that the MRSIA is free, safe, and the most effective protection against measles.
For his part, Ditsaan-Ramain Mayor Amanullah Marmar expressed his sincerest gratitude to the IPHO for launching the program in his town.
He also vowed to support the anti-measles program and all other health programs emphasizing that healthy human body is the capital to empowerment and development.
After the brief program held at the municipal hall covered court, the IPHO staff along with the municipal officials, rural health unit workers, barangay health workers, and nurses employed under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RN HEALS) proceeded to the neighborhood and conducted the ceremonial vaccination to three (3) children.
Vitamin A capsule which is an important micronutrient for a healthy immune system was also administered orally to the children. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA-10)
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