Manila Bulletin
Increase in measles cases in PH not only due to continuing Denvaxia controversy -- Duque
Increase in measles cases in PH not only due to continuing Denvaxia controversy -- Duque
Increase in measles cases in PH not only due to continuing Denvaxia controversy -- Duque
Published Dec 1, 2018 04:02 pm
By Analou De Vera
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the increase in measles cases in the country is due to the continuing Dengvaxia vaccine controversy and the peace and order situation in some areas.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN)
"There are certain regions that had been affected by the continuing Dengvaxia issue. third party assessment done by an outfit based in London, they revealed that there is a significant drop in the confidence of our people in the immunization program of the DOH (Department of Health) from 92 percent to measly 33 percent. Ang laki ng ibinagsak (there is a huge drop)," said Duque during a recent press conference.
The health chief however said the increase in measles cases cannot only be attributed to the Dengvaxia controversy, as there are some areas infested by rebel groups, thus, making it difficult for them to penetrate the area.
"It's not Dengvaxia only. The peace and order situation in some localities, if they are NPA (New People's Army) infested," explained Duque.
The health chief said that to reach those geographically isolated and disadvantage areas, they have to form a composite team. The team is composed of representatives from Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Red Cross, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and DOH officers.
Another factor is the existing traditions of the locals, particularly the indigenous people, said Duque.
"Education is also very important because the indigenous people sometimes... because of certain biases or prejudices, minsan hindi sila naniniwala sa bakuna, blood transfusion ," he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently said there are more than 17,200 reported measles cases in the country for the period of January to November 2018. The figure registered a 367-percent increase as compared to the same period last year with only 3,706 reported cases of measles.
Previously, the health department urged parents to let their children be vaccinated, as measles vaccine has already been proven safe and effective and "has been doing this since the 1970s."
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN)
"There are certain regions that had been affected by the continuing Dengvaxia issue. third party assessment done by an outfit based in London, they revealed that there is a significant drop in the confidence of our people in the immunization program of the DOH (Department of Health) from 92 percent to measly 33 percent. Ang laki ng ibinagsak (there is a huge drop)," said Duque during a recent press conference.
The health chief however said the increase in measles cases cannot only be attributed to the Dengvaxia controversy, as there are some areas infested by rebel groups, thus, making it difficult for them to penetrate the area.
"It's not Dengvaxia only. The peace and order situation in some localities, if they are NPA (New People's Army) infested," explained Duque.
The health chief said that to reach those geographically isolated and disadvantage areas, they have to form a composite team. The team is composed of representatives from Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Red Cross, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and DOH officers.
Another factor is the existing traditions of the locals, particularly the indigenous people, said Duque.
"Education is also very important because the indigenous people sometimes... because of certain biases or prejudices, minsan hindi sila naniniwala sa bakuna, blood transfusion ," he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently said there are more than 17,200 reported measles cases in the country for the period of January to November 2018. The figure registered a 367-percent increase as compared to the same period last year with only 3,706 reported cases of measles.
Previously, the health department urged parents to let their children be vaccinated, as measles vaccine has already been proven safe and effective and "has been doing this since the 1970s."