Parawan of Department of Agriculture 9 remarks as he supports President Aquino's
Health Agenda against measles.
Parawan has received this week an appeal for support from Department of Health
(DOH) Regional Director Aristides Tan to its program dubbed as "Iligtas sa
Tigdas ang Pinas.
In a letter, Tan informed Parawan that the Philippines is committed to eliminate
measles by 2012. The measles immunization campaign is targeting to vaccinate
6,80,333 or 19.58% children throughout Region 9.
Director Tan stated that this coming April 4 to May 4, DOH will conduct a
door-to-door Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA).
Parawan, being the head of food production agency, appeals to the farmers and
fisherfolk to submit their children ages 9 months up to below 8 years old who
are eligible for anti-measles immunization.
He elaborated that the farmers and fisherfolk can be more productive if they
themselves and their dependents are in good health. Hence, he is calling their
cooperation especially those having children 9-95 months old to take note of
these dates from April 4 to May 4 and have them vaccinated with anti-measles to
keep their children away from complications.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease which can be fatal. It is spread
by coughing and sneezing, close and personal contact with infected nasal or
throat secretions.
Rubella, also known as German Measles, is a highly contagious but mild disease.
The primary danger of the disease is the infection during pregnancy especially
during the first trimester of pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage.
DOH reported that confirmed measles cases have increased from only 413 in 2007,
it reached to 1,840 up to the present. More than 70 percent of the victims were
children who had not been vaccinated, based on DOH data.
Six children died in 2010 and as of February, this year, 2 children perished
because of measles, the data added.
In 2010, Zamboanga del Norte was reported to have high measles incidence
together with Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
Moreover, DOH reported that last Feb. 13-19, 2011, there were confirmed measles
cases in 21 sentinel sites nationwide which include Zamboanga Sibugay and
Zamboanga del Norte.
Measles complications include bronchopneumonia, xerophthalmia, encephalitis and
the worst is death. (Remai S. Alejado/da9)
