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Measles, polio vaccination campaign underway in the Philippines
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WHO and Philippine health officials are conducting a mass vaccination campaign against measles and polio for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, according to a press release.
"Large numbers of non- or under-vaccinated children are at risk of contracting and spreading infectious disease such as measles — particularly in congested areas where the homeless are now living," said Julie Hall, MD, WHO’s representative in the Philippines.
The campaign is focusing on children aged 6 months to 5 years in areas heavily affected by the typhoon. These include evacuation centers in the city of Tacloban and temporary shelters set up in Cebu. WHO said the provision of vaccines and vitamin A supplementation are health priorities for the victims of the disaster.
Children up to age 15 years also will be included in the vaccination campaign if there are enough resources to provide for them.
WHO is working with the Philippines Department of Health to arrange the delivery of the vaccines. To keep supplies from spoiling, health workers are using equipment such as gas-, generator- and solar-powered refrigerators and freezers, ice packs and vaccine cases.
"Our system is shaken but not broken," said Enrique Ona, MD, secretary of health for the Philippines. "With the support of partners, vaccinations have been re-launched at a vital time."