DOH’s LABAN PNEUMONIA KICKS OFF IN CEBU

The Department of Health’s intensified war against the deadly Pneumonia disease kicked off with “Laban Pneumonia” Thursday in Brgy. Inayawan, Cebu City, where a ceremonial immunization was initially administered to 20 children.

Together with Pfizer Philippines, the health department is stepping up awareness about the disease by employing latest technology in Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), which, according to DOH, will protect children particularly those in the most ‘underserved communities’ in the country.

The campaign aims to vaccinate around 400,000 in Central Visayas, including region 8, the area badly affected by super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

“Pneumonia has been identified as among the top five causes of mortality in the Philippines, averaging fourth in the past ten years”, said Dr. Joyce Ducusin, OIC-Director III, Family Health Office, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control of DOH.

DOH Undersecretary Janette Garin said the Laban campaign solidifies DOH goal in decreasing Pneumonia among Filipinos, especially among children.

“Together with our local government units, as well as partners such as Pfizer, we are confident that we will win the battle against this deadly disease,” Garin said.

Moreover, Pfizer Philippines considers the campaign as a valuable initiative toward supporting the government’s goal of strengthening public health and as a significant milestone to help achieve maternal and child health targets under the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG). (Photo by MetroCebuNews Team)