As a continuing support and commitment to the immunization program of the Philippine government, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization formally turnover an immunization equipment to the Department of Health in a symbolic turnover ceremony held recently at Sagkahan District and Birthing Health Center, this city.

Present during the turnover ceremony were officials and representatives from United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, European Commission for Humanitarian Organization, Department of Health and the City Government of Tacloban, among others.

In a short message, Timothy Grieve, officer-in-charge for UNICEF’s Tacloban field office said, rebuilding the cold chain infrastructure which was severely damaged by typhoon Yolanda last November has been a shared priority for the Philippine Government, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO)

The immunization equipment known as cold chain was supported with measles rubella and oral polio vaccines which will benefit some 3 million children in typhoon-hit regions.

This is part of the disaster-response of the UNICEF and WHO in order to get immunizations back on track and restore access to health services and strengthen the health system following the destruction of many health facilities in the region including the temporary disruption of expanded programs on immunization including routine immunization to infants and children.

Relative to this, DOH 8 Assistant Director Dr. Paula Sydiongco thanks the international partners for the help given to the people of Region 8.

“So with the presence of all the donors especially with you here, the UNICEF, WHO and ECHO, we are insured of a resilient cold chain which is of course very badly needed for our children, infants, and even our newborn to protect them from all diseases. “, Sydiongco said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jaime Opinion of the Tacloban City Health Office has reiterated that the donation was very timely for the routine immunizations of measles, rubella and oral polio vaccination in the month of April and May targeting  35,000 children.

It can be recalled that when Yolanda struck Region 8 in November last year, UNICEF, WHO and its international partners have been closely helping the government-led programs especially on health.

CONSUELO B. ALARCON