DOH chief vows to deliver on immunization, maternal health goals

By Marlon Atun

THE newly appointed head of the Department of Health (DOH) in the Bicol Region on Wednesday vowed to prioritize DOH directives concerning immunization, maternal health, and children’s nutrition.

“Unang-una po diyan ay (first and foremost is) immunization. We need to increase our coverage in Bicol,” stated DOH Regional Director Melissa Sena during her inauguration ceremony.

A quick look at the 2024 Annual Field Health Services Information System report reveals that Bicol is struggling to meet the national target of 95 percent coverage for routine immunizations of children against common vaccine-preventable diseases.

The report indicates that Bicol has achieved a fully immunized children (FIC) coverage of only 47.84 percent, with 71,070 children fully immunized out of an eligible population of 148,559.

To be considered fully immunized, a child must receive the following vaccines by the time they reach one year old:

One dose of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine

Three doses of the Pentavalent Vaccine, which includes Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Haemophilus influenzae type B, and Hepatitis B

Three doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)

Two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella

Completing these vaccinations ensures that the child is fully immunized.

Sena emphasized that reducing maternal and infant mortality would be her second top priority.

“We also need to improve maternal health—not only because it is part of the national health agenda, but also because it has been our commitment since the Millennium Development Goals and continues under the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, at least 128 women died due to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications in 2023.

The country is working toward the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal deaths to 70 per 100,000 live births by the year 2030.

Nutrition is also a crucial factor in health and a top priority for Sena. She emphasized the long-term effects of proper nourishment, especially for children.

“When our children are well-nourished, they are better prepared for the future,” she stated, pointing out that malnutrition significantly affects a child’s learning, development, and productivity later in life.

To achieve these goals, the DOH Bicol Center for Health Development (CHD) must secure the full support of local government units (LGUs) for DOH programs, according to Gladys Demdam-Escote, chief of the local health support division of DOH Bicol CHD.

LGUs must actively engage in implementing DOH programs, which include conducting immunization campaigns, providing nutrition education, and promoting health-related activities, she said. (PIA Bicol)