The Department of Health Regional Office No. XII headed by Regional Director Teogenes F. Baluma, MD, MHA, MDM, FPCHA, CESO III, successfully launched the Measles,Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Mass Immunization (MR-OPV-MI) last September 1, 2014 at General Santos City for the month-long massive immunization campaign this September. The objectives are : to interrupt transmission of measles and rubella in the Philippines; protect the population from the virus that leads to polio; and identify high risk puroks that should be prioritized in the mass immunization.

The Department of Health, Regional Office No. XII in partnership with the City Health Office, General Santos City together with Development Health Partners, Non Government Organizations, Private Health Institutions and Local Government Units had a motorcade around the City. After which, all participants gathered at the Family Country Hotel Convention Center for the proper launching activity. Dr. Edgardo R. Sandig, MD, MPH, City Health Officer welcomed the guests and participants. He reiterated that MR-OPV-MI will be a long month activity starting from Sept.1-30, 2014 with the theme "Ligtas sa Tigdas. Magkaisa. Magpabakuna." With this campaign, he stressed that children from remote and hard-to-reach barangays shall be provided vaccination services.

A brief Inspirational message was delivered by Regional Director Teogenes F. Baluma, MD, who encouraged everyone to participate in the campaign to achieve its goal of reducing measles and be a polio-free country. Moreover, RD Baluma assured that vaccinators are well trained and vaccines to be given are safe.
A Press Conference spearheaded by Health Education and Promotion Unit was also held on the same day eagerly participated by our media partners at Family Country Hotel in General City. It's purpose is to advocate the MR-OPV-MI and respond to raised issues and concerns. Among the panelist were Regional Director Baluma, Dr. Fatima A. Emban, MPH, the Head of Family Health Cluster and Dr. Edgardo Sandig, MD, MPH, the City Health Officer, General Santos City. Partners from media showed their interest and asked a lot of questions which was answered forthright. We at DOH stressed out that the program should be taken seriously and any missed dose is considered an outbreak when the virus endures tenaciously in any child.
Other provinces and cities around Region XII also had their proper launching activity on MR-OPV-MI which includes:
o Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat last August 29, 2014
o Lake Sebu, South Cotabato last September 1, 2014
o Cotabato City last September 1, 2014
o Glan, Sarangani last September 3, 2014
o Matalam, North Cotabato last September 3, 2014
o Kidapawan, North Cotabato last September 3, 2014

Let us unite and eliminate this life threatening infectious disease in our country.
"Ngayon na!