By Kelli Maddock | Resource Development Officer
In March 2019, two villages in Kabayan, Benguet province reported two new and active cases of measles. Previously thought to be measles-free, International Medical Corps sent teams alongside the Philippines Department of Health, to address the rising need for vaccination support.
From January 1 to May 11, 2019, there have been 34,950 measles cases in the Philippines and 90% of those cases had no documented vaccination history. According to Dr. Jojo, Medical Coordinator at International Medical Corps in the Philippines, “the Department of Health approached us in March 2019 because we were already working with them to build capacity for health workers and to facilitate safe water, sanitation and hygiene activities in response to Typhoon Mangkhut. They requested our support on their measles immunization campaign due to the gravity of the situation.”
When we questioned the villagers along with the Department of Health, villagers reported that some of the mothers had been afraid to have their children vaccinated, due to misinformation about the effects. Our teams mobilized immediately, to support measles and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations for 1,825 children across Benguet province.
International Medical Corps enabled access to new knowledge and helped combat the spread of misinformation by conducting community-based awareness sessions on the importance of vaccinations and the nature of vaccine-preventable diseases – such as Japanese encephalitis, which is commonly spread by mosquitos throughout Asia.
On May 27, 2019, UNICEF and the World Health Organization stated that, “partners like the Philippine Red Cross, International Medical Corps, the International Organization for Migration, ReachHealth and AmeriCares have significantly contributed to the large number of children vaccinated, thanks to recruitment of additional vaccinators and necessary supplies for health facilities (Philippines: Measles Outbreak, Situation Report 11, 27 May 2019).”
Thanks to the support of the GlobalGiving community and other donors, International Medical Corps can continue to provide healthcare wherever and whenever it is needed most.
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