ANGARA URGES DOH TO ENSURE STABLE SUPPLY OF MEASLES VACCINES

BATAAN--Reelectionist Senator Sonny Angara urged the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure stable supply of measles vaccines in the country, especially in areas where there are outbreaks of the highly contagious disease.

"The DOH must ensure consistent and adequate supply of measles vaccines in anticipation of increased demand as many people rush to protect themselves and their children from the virus," Angara said.

Angara was in Bataan on Wednesday for a political rally organized by Hugpong ng Pagbabago, which is led by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte.

The DOH has recently confirmed measles outbreaks in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Central Visayas.

DOH data showed that a total of 437 cases and six deaths from measles were reported in Central Luzon from January 1 to February 7 this year, compared to only 32 cases with no death during the same period last year.

Of the seven provinces in Central Luzon, Bulacan has the highest number of measles cases with 144, followed by Pampanga with 136; Tarlac with 89; Bataan with 27; Zambales with 23; Nueva Ecija with 18. The province of Aurora had no measles case.

Out of the six deaths, three were from Pampanga and one each in Bulacan, Bataan and Zambales.

According to Angara, ensuring that essential vaccines and medicines are available is critical in the fight against measles.

"Importante na may sapat na suplay sa lahat ng barangay health center sa buong bansa para masiguro natin na lahat ng nangangailangan ng bakuna ay mabigyan nito,"Angara said.

Angara also urged parents to have their children immunized against measles in any government health center, where the vaccines are administered for free.

The senator, who is one of the authors of the Universal Health Care Bill that aims to give all-inclusive health coverage for Filipinos, maintained that immunization is the best protection against measles, a highly contagious disease that could sometimes lead to serious health complications and even death.