CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda obliged barangay frontliners to assist children and families in the nearest Rural Health Units (RHU) for a free vaccination against measles from Mar. 1-9.
The ‘Pampanga Oplan Alis Tigdas’ initiated by the Provincial Government with the Department of Health (DOH) and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) was attended by 2,000 barangay officials, Nanay Community Workers (NCWs), Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Rural Health Unit (RHU) Presidents at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC) recently.
According to the lady Governor, it is the obligation of the leaders in the grassroots level to utilize their people, especially in this kind of situation, wherein the lives of children are at risk.
The barangay frontliners were briefed on the duties and responsibilities of the Measles Task Force in every Local Government Unit (LGU).
At present, 19 children had died from measles, which is alarming, according to the Governor. She reiterated the importance of vaccination for the kids.
Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, Provincial Health Officer, explained how serious measles is. He also briefed the attendees on the danger of Japanese Encephalitis.
Meanwhile, senatorial candidate Pia Cayetano also graced the event. Cayetano shared her story about her child who died from not receiving vaccine and treatment, due to lack of availability. She said not to wait for a similar incident to happen.
“Do not let any parent lost her child again,” she said.
For his part, Vice Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda said this must be taken seriously, stressing that the initiatives will always start at home.
Moreover, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Angie Blanco also informed the attendees on the aggressiveness of the province in response to the measles outbreak in the region.
Also attending the event were Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and OCD Regional Director III Marlou Salazar. –Leah Isidro De Fiesta